Zakat Fund

The tenants of Islam encourage believers to engage in acts of charity, generosity, and compassion. Charity, which in Arabic is called “sadaqah” or “zakat” goes beyond giving money. It draws a spiritual link, a bond of empathy and humanity that brings people together. The objective is to create social and financial equity.
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory on all eligible Muslims. Zakat requires the individual to donate 2.5% of their annual savings towards specific eight categories as mentioned in the Qur’an to support underprivileged Muslims.
Crores of funds are given out as Zakat every year, and yet we see the community struggle with poverty, lagging in terms of living standards, financial stability, education and other aspects, thereby showing poor performance in most of the fields.
Considering the disparity in the funds available versus the level of poverty within the community, there is a need to channelize Islamic giving, especially Zakat funds, systematically to maximize their impact.
This initiative aims to reimagine Islamic charitable giving to build collective resilience and support brighter futures for the most vulnerable. Traditional approaches to Islamic giving have remained restricted to providing ad-hoc support to those around us or supporting local schools and religious institutions. However, in changing times where our shared future is shrouded by unprecedented challenges like climate change, inequality, and health crisis – giving must become more response to the current needs. It is important to retain the values of Islamic giving while garnering support for individuals in need, strategically.
Reimagining Islamic charitable giving can ensure that the most underserved individuals receive support and thrive with improved education, health, and livelihoods. A more intentional and targeted approach can lead to intergenerational benefits, for a more secure future.

Based on this principle, our first partner is Project DEEP a Mumbai based non-profit co-founded by Pankhuri Shah and Muzamil Baig , is working with the most globally researched model and proven solution (300+ studies) for poverty alleviation - direct cash transfers, including the latest study by Nobel Laureate Dr. Abhijit Banerjee. This model respects the autonomy of the recipient and empowers them to chart their own pathway out of poverty. A lumpsum cash transfer, to each household in a village, with no strings attached, transforms the entire space within days of project implementation and demonstrates tangible results, not just on monetary poverty, but on self-confidence and dignity, as well, that make a lasting impact.
In 2023, they disbursed INR 65,000 each to 162 households, via the women's bank account, in 4 tribal hamlets of Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
In 2024, we are aiming to support 100 households through Zakat funds, and we need your help. To contribute please click here.