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Ramadan: Harness the Power of Zakat

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and fasting during this month fulfils the fourth pillar of Islam. Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and fasting during this time is obligatory for every abled and healthy believer. The blessed month offers abundant blessings, goodness, and opportunities to grow closer to Allah (SWT) and develop God-fearing and God-consciousness. Allah (swt) says in the holy Quran:

 

“O you who believe, decreed upon you is fasting, as it was decreed upon those before you, so that you may become righteous/mindful of God.”

Quran (2:183)

The objective of fasting is to abstain from eating, drinking, engaging in sexual activity between sunrise and sunset and all other immoral behaviour, including impure and unkind thoughts. Ramadan places a strong emphasis on gratitude and appreciation for what we have, which encourages compassion for those who are less fortunate. It is a time for spiritual reflection, growth and increased devotion to Allah (SWT) by fasting, praying, supplicating, and almsgiving. We can attain the nearness, mercy and forgiveness of Allah (SWT) by doing these acts, which is the ultimate goal.


Ramadan with Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief will continue its life-saving work during Ramadan 2024, ensuring your donations get to those who need them most. We are on the front lines in over 30 countries, just as we have been with every major disaster since 1984, delivering food, water and emergency relief to those in desperate need.

Alhamdulillah, by the grace and mercy of Allah, Islamic Relief had a successful Ramadan 2023, which was the most momentous Ramadan distribution programme by far. Your support enabled us to distribute over 300 000 Ramadan food packs benefiting more than 1.5 Million people in 33 countries, Alhamdulillah. This year we aim to support and provide for even more vulnerable and underprivileged people and communities. We can achieve this with your assistance.

As we approach Ramadan 2024, it is incumbent on us to emphasise the importance of Zakat and the benefits of this religious obligation for all able Muslims, male and female. Zakat has the potential to ease suffering and positively affect change in the lives of millions in need all over the world and contributes to the hope, joy and happiness of the world’s most destitute families and communities.

Harness the power of Zakat and Sadaqah and donate generously in the blessed month of Ramadan.


The Power of Zakat: Zakat could end global poverty

This Ramadan, we want to impress upon everyone the importance of Zakat.

“…and those in whose wealth there is a recognised right, for the needy and deprived

(Qur’an 70:24-5)

Zakat, a fundamental pillar of Islam, is a religious obligation for all Muslims who meet the criteria to help those less fortunate and more vulnerable. Zakat is a form of almsgiving and is a mandatory charitable contribution of 2.5% of a Muslim’s savings and wealth, distributed to those in need. The power of zakat lies in its ability to provide financial assistance to those who are less fortunate and promotes social justice and equality within the Muslim community. In addition, giving zakat purifies one’s wealth and develops spiritual growth. It is also a means of redistributing wealth and reducing economic inequality.

According to the UN, the amount needed to achieve the first two Sustainable Development Goals – to end extreme poverty and hunger globally – is approximately $300 billion. Islamic Relief is working towards ending global hunger by dedicating its resources to uplift, educate and empower underprivileged people and communities, locally and abroad. We can only achieve this with your support.

 

Allah has shown us the way – all we need to do is follow. That is the power of Zakat.

 

This Ramadan we want to impress upon everyone the importance of Zakat. Zakat could have the power to end global poverty – this is the power of Zakat.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to bring Islam to the entire world. So if we imagine that everyone around the globe gave 2.5% of their wealth to those in need, the annual amount would be trillions of dollars. Imagine what could be done with that!

 

Yes – Zakat could have the power to end poverty. If everyone around the world gave 2.5% of their wealth as Zakat we could end poverty together, SubhanAllah!

 

Of course, ending poverty isn’t simple. Conflict, inequality, water shortages, climate change, lack of education, poor public infrastructure and basic human greed all create and shape poverty.

Allah has shown us the way – all we need to do is follow. That is the power of Zakat.


Donate Your Zakat: Your donations enable us to save lives.

Your Zakat has funded some of our most crucial work with people and communities living in disaster and war zones: drought and famine-struck countries across East Africa and communities affected by conflict in Syria, Afghanistan, Gaza and Yemen and countries affected by natural disasters in Pakistan and Indonesia. Your generosity has enabled communities to build sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change and enabled better lives for vulnerable orphans and families across the globe, Alhamdulillah.

Islamic Relief uses Zakat to support various programs and projects, including providing assistance to people in need, such as food and shelter, helping to fund health and education programs, providing emergency relief in response to natural disasters and conflicts, and supporting economic development initiatives. In addition, we use Zakat funds to help support long-term development programs and help build sustainable communities.

 

This is what your Zakat donations contribute towards

  • Food assistance: We provide food aid to those suffering from hunger and malnutrition, including through the distribution of food packages and the provision of hot meals.
  • Water and sanitation: We work to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities in deprived communities globally.
  • Education and training: We create accessibility and provide education, training and development opportunities for children and adults, including literacy programs and vocational training. We have supported the education of more than 250 000 underprivileged students all over the globe.
  • Health and medical care: We operate health clinics and hospitals and provide medical care and treatment to those in need in conflict and disaster-stricken communities.
  • Emergency relief: We respond to natural disasters and other emergencies by providing emergency relief and assistance to affected communities. We assess the situation and provide aid to affected people and communities, ensuring they are supported in their time of need. 
  • Orphan care: Islamic Relief provides holistic support and assistance to orphaned children, including through the provision of food, clothing, education, medical care and psychosocial support. We are currently supporting over 85 000 orphans globally.
  • Microfinance: We offer microfinance loans and other forms of financial support to help people and small businesses start up and develop. This initiative empowers and creates self-reliance for underprivileged people and communities.
  • Livelihoods: Islamic Relief assists and helps people establish sustainable livelihoods, including through the provision of training, tools, and equipment. We aim to see vulnerable communities thrive.

Donate your Zakat and see the difference it makes in the lives of millions of people.


Your Zakat is in safe hands.

At Islamic Relief, we take full responsibility for distributing your Zakat. We work closely with a team of qualified scholars to ensure that our Zakat policy follows the guidelines set by Allah (SWT). Your Zakat is an Amanah (trust), and when entrusted to us, we distribute it with the utmost care and precision. Our rigorous governance ensures that from the moment you donate to the moment it is distributed to those who have a right to receive it – your Zakat remains in safe hands. We ensure that your Zakat reaches only those who qualify for it, guided by the eight categories outlined in the Qur’an. 

Donate your Zakat to Islamic Relief and create opportunities that make a difference in the lives of those who need it most


What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting during this month, from dusk until dawn, fulfils the fourth pillar of Islam and is obligatory for every sane-minded Muslim.

The objective of fasting is to abstain from eating, drinking, engaging in intimate relations between sunrise and sunset and all other immoral behaviour, including impure and unkind thoughts. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, growth, and increased devotion to Allah (SWT) by fasting, praying, supplicating, and almsgiving. The blessed month also emphasizes the empathy we should show to those less fortunate. 


When is Ramadan 2024?

In the Islamic calendar, a new month begins with the first crescent of a new moon, and the new day occurs after sunset. Since the calendar acts according to the moon, it is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by roughly ten days. Ramadan lasts between 29 – 30 days and commences upon the sighting of the new moon, and follows the month of Sha’ban.

Ramadan 2024 is likely to fall on the evening of Sunday, March 10th, 2024 and conclude on 8th April 2024; however, this could vary according to the sighting of the moon. You can find up-to-date information on the Ramadan Timetable here.


When does Ramadan start?

Ramadan will commence upon the sighting of the new moon, which signifies the end of Sha’ban.


When does Ramadan end?

This year, Ramadan is expected to end on 8th April 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.


What happens if you miss a fast during Ramadan?

If you miss any fast out of necessity and cannot make up the lost days, you must pay fidya (fidyah). If you break or miss any day of fasting without a valid reason, you must make it up after Ramadan. For any fasts broken deliberately without any cause, one would need to make up the fast after Ramadan and pay kaffarah.


Ramadan Sadaqah

The Prophet (PBUH) gave charity all year but gave more during Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Bukhari)

Ramadan 2024

When is Eid 2024?

Ramadan ends officially on Eid al-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, 10 April 2024. Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practise self-control.

When does Ramadan 2024 Start

As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin on  10th March 2024, and end on 8th April 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.

When does Ramadan 2024 end?

Eid al-Fitr officially begins at the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal, the 8th April 2024. Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practise self-control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ramadan?

Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, and the time during which it takes place varies every year. This is because the date depends on the lunar calendar, which is roughly 10 or 11 days shorter than the commonly used Gregorian calendar

What does Ramadan Kareem mean?

The meaning of Kareem is generous/noble. Ramadan is a month where Allah forgives, blesses and rewards Muslims without a limit.

Ramadan Kareem means Ramadan the generous month.

Therefore, it is an expression that is used to welcome the month of Ramadan by Muslims around the world.

What time can you eat during Ramadan?

Every day during Ramadan, Muslims begin the fast at sunrise after having a meal ( Suhoor), after which the morning Fajr prayer is prayed. The fast isn’t broken until sunset with the Iftar meal, which precedes the Maghrib, the fourth prayer of the day.

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