It is well said that “no one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of others.” It is an integral part of the Islamic faith that if a Muslim has good wealth, they must donate some of it towards a good cause and help the less fortunate. Zakat Charity can allow people to collect enough funds to invest in their financial obligations. In this blog, let us find out more about what is Zakat, who is eligible for it, fundraising ideas, and more.
Table of Contents
What Is Zakat?
The annual payment known as Zakat is made to qualified adult Muslims who have assets that exceed the value of the Nisab (The threshold at which a Muslim’s personal wealth must be above to be eligible to receive Zakat charity donation is known as the Nisab). It is a fundamental part of the Islamic faith and is a religious duty. If a person has enough wealth, they should use some of it to help the less fortunate. This is done through the concept of giving a portion of it to the needy and poor.
By giving to the less fortunate, Muslims can maintain their humility and strengthen their connection with the Islamic faith. Although it is obligatory for Muslims to pay it, it is not required for everyone. For instance, if a person has enough money but doesn’t possess the required amount, then they can skip the Zakat donation.
Getting to know the various pillars of Islam, Zakat in Ramadan can be a bit challenging for some people. Even if fundraising can help various organisations secure additional funds, there are certain norms one should adhere to.
Who Is Eligible For Zakat?
As noble as it sounds, not everyone is eligible to receive a Zakat charity donation. There are eight written eligibility criteria listed in the Qur’an who can proceed with Zakat donations –
- Those living in poverty and without any income are referred to as Fakir
- Those who do not have access to basic needs and amenities, known as Al-Masakin
- Those who are new to Islam and are friends of the community are referred to as Amil
- Those who are victims of slavery and are in debt are referred to as Riqab
- Those who work for Allah are referred to as Gharmin
- Those who fight for Allah’s cause are known as Fisabillillah
- Those who are new to Islam and friends of the Islamic community are referred to as Muallaf
- Those who are struggling and travelling are known as Ibnus Sabil
Best Zakat Fundraising Ideas
Now that you all are clear about what is Zakat, and who you can donate, let’s move on to the area where we discuss how crowdfunding can play a bigger role in Zakat donations as well as online fundraising campaigns. Most Muslims prefer to give this Islamic charity to charitable organisations that provide funds to the needy and poor instead of directly to the beneficiaries. Mosques are among the most common recipients of this type of charitable giving. It’s also helpful to know which areas of the world are likely to appeal to donors.
1. Crowdfunding At WhyDonate
You can donate Zakat online through WhyDonate at any given moment without going through any complicated process at all. WhyDonate welcomes all kinds of fundraisers with open arms by providing a free and reliable platform. Make sure you find suitable fundraisers if you want to donate to any fundraising campaign, or you can also initiate a fundraiser where people can donate to help you with your cause. You can create a donation page that has pre-set amounts for all of your donors. Doing so will help you see which donation Zakat tier is most effective.
2. Make Sure To Be Present On Social Media
It is needless to say what impact social media has on society nowadays. Every single day, countless people swarm into their social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, etc. So make sure you spread the word about your fundraiser all over the internet and be active on your social media to answer questions about your campaign or send thank-you letters to the donors.
3. Be Transparent
Zakat charity donation is a sacred way of helping people who are in need. This is why it is very important to be absolutely truthful about your cause and adhere to all the Zakat requirements. Being transparent about how you or your organisation is using your donations is very important to maintain donor loyalty. They will be more likely to give Zakat charity donation to you if they can see how your organisation is using their money. You can also use reports to show how your donation Zakat is being used.
4. Peer-To-Peer Fundraising
A peer-to-peer fundraising campaign is a powerful tool that enables individuals to raise funds for a worthy cause. Through their personal donation landing page, fundraisers can connect with their social networks and spread the word about their cause. For this obligatory charity, through peer-to-peer fundraising, donations can be made to people who are in need. Being able to help others is a rewarding act in Islam. Doing so through peer-to-peer fundraising can change someone’s life and give them a new lease of life.
5. Ramadan Charity Event For Zakat
During Ramadan, many people volunteer their time to help others. It’s important to remember that giving of oneself is also beneficial. You can choose to organise a charity event for Zakat in Ramadan, which will bring the community together and strengthen the relationship between people. Make sure that your charity event is relevant to your organization’s mission.
For instance, if you’re in a homeless shelter, you could arrange a soup kitchen or food donation evening. Try to get volunteers for events as it can be very beneficial to the charity. Being a volunteer can help your nonprofit grow and provide better support to its beneficiaries. It can also help you raise money and attract more donors. Having a dedicated group of volunteers can also help boost the organization’s image and attract more employees.
Conclusion
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world are required to fast and perform various religious duties. However, it is also important to remember to do good in their communities. This is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to raise funds and increase their positive impact. It is also important to ensure that the donations are being used for the needy and poor.
Let’s all be grateful for what we have this Ramadan and spread a little bit of kindness to those who need it. Start a fundraiser or donate to any Zakat charity through WhyDonate.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is zakat and how do you pay it?
This annual charitable contribution is an essential virtue in Islam and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for all the Muslims, who are wealthy enough (above the nisab limits) to shell out 2.5% of their savings every year towards poor and needy people. Normally it is paid in the month of Ramadan but can be offered at any time of the year.
What are the rules of zakat?
It is an obligation to all Muslims who possess wealth above the given threshold called nisab. This is usually 2.5% of the said assets such as cash, gold, or income earned from a business. This also incorporates the direct transfer of eligible funds to specified recipients, such as those who are impoverished, out of their country, or indebted.
Why do Muslims need zakat?
This obligatory charity serves to cleanse belongings, helps alleviate disparities among individuals and promotes kindness. It is a religious obligation enabling the interaction of individuals by facilitating economic resources to people in desperate needs, thus enhancing social and economic justice.
What do you mean by zakat?
The term ‘Zakat’ has its roots in Arabic and means ‘purifying’ or ‘increasing’. This is because it is the mandatory alms that every Muslim needs to pay to cleanse their finances and inner being. Muslims are mandated to give a part of their possessions to the needy, as it is one of God’s orders to maintain the balance of society through social welfare activities.
Who cannot take Zakat?
It cannot be given to immediate family members such as parents, children or even spouses as they are the responsibility of the giver. Moreover, it cannot be given to non-Muslims, the rich, or anyone who misappropriates funds for purposes that are not in accordance with Islam.
Can non Muslims accept Zakat?
In principle, it is only for Muslims, for it is an obligation of faith that aims at aiding Muslim society. Nonetheless, other forms of charity (sadaqah) which are less constrained may be given to non-Muslims.
