Considered the most blessed month weaving together all the 5 sacred pillars of Islam, Ramadan is rapidly approaching for millions of followers of Islam. In this period, the blessings of giving are magnified while fasting allows a worshipper to focus on their devotion to Allah. Since late 2023, the staff and volunteer teams at Zakat Foundation of America have been preparing to deliver charity in over 40 countries in addition to many local United States offices. Muslims are required to pay a portion of their wealth, called zakat to the poor and needy, and ZFA will help distribute that charity to those most in need across the globe.

This year, Zakat Foundation of America is focusing their efforts on four main projects: food packages, orphan care, clean water and 1 Million Meals for Gaza.

• Food Packages: Food packages are distributed to those in need across the globe through ZFA’s Food Security program. The organization works with local partners on the ground to identify the most vulnerable. The packages are filled with items like rice, oil, sugar, flour and beans designed to sustain a family for several weeks. In celebration of Ramadan, local offices also host Iftar dinners, where the entire community can come together for food, connection, and fellowship.  A previous beneficiary in Gaza stated, “My kids were delighted when I opened the door with a box in my hands. When the package was opened, each one of them took out their favorite food. We live in very tough economic conditions, and this box is our gift for this month.”
• Orphan Care: There are an estimated 153 million orphans in the world. ZFA’s Orphan Care Program supports children who have lost at least one parent, focusing on keeping them connected in their local schools, immediate family, and community. Orphan support provides school fees, food, clothing, and more. The program is designed to set up these children for long-term success. Eid gifts are also given to orphans, which, for many, may be the only gifts they can receive in a year.
• Water: An ongoing charity is considered sadaqah jariyah, which continues to bless the recipients for many generations. Diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. To this end, Zakat Foundation strives to provide access to clean water for the world’s communities. Clean water transforms a community and positively impacts areas like agriculture, sustainability, education, and overall health and wellness. To date, ZFA has completed 4,165 water projects in 24 countries, serving almost 1.5 million people (about the population of West Virginia). Those wishing to sponsor a well can choose to have a designated plaque honoring a loved one or serving as a memorial.
• 1 Million Meals for Gaza: While the violence in Gaza continues to be ongoing, the suffering of the area’s most innocent: women, children, elderly and families continues to increase exponentially. Continuing to be cut off from basic societal support, basic needs are being neglected for the citizens of Gaza. ZFA has been able to partner with local UN schools and work within the country to prepare and distribute hot meals, accompanied by clear drinking water, to anyone in need. The goal of the organization is to prepare 1 million meals for the people of Gaza. Zakat Foundation is committed to short-term relief and long-term rehabilitation including rebuilding homes, medical efforts, mental health support and educational initiatives.

Not only will Zakat Foundation offer support and celebration in its international offices, but they will also host events in the US. Regional offices in Milpitas CA, Newark DE, Lake Mary FL, Jericho NY, Durham NC, Houston, TX and Chicago IL will host various community events including Iftar dinners, clothing and food distributions, educational workshops and other programs. Those interested in participating or volunteering can contact nayma@zakat.org. For those in need in Chicagoland, the new Socials Services Center in Harvey, IL also provides clothing, shoes, hygiene and other essential items.

Updates and additional information can be found at zakat.org/ramadan. Zakat Foundation of America will continue to report on its Ramadan efforts as the unfold. Anyone wishing for more information on Ramadan, ZFA or zakat giving can contact the call center at 1-888-ZAKAT-US during regular business hours (CST). ZFA also offers immense resources such as a zakat calculator, zakat materials, blogs and media on their website.

Zakat Foundation of America strives to support recovery and development in all its forms, aligning with the UN’s 17 Goals for Sustainable Development. Zakat Foundation of America has been featured in the pressincluding CNN Max, Fox News, WGN, ABC and NBC among others. Media including photos and videos are available on the organizations website and social media. Additional media requests or interview requests can be submitted to lindsey.b@zakat.org

Founded in 2001 by Halil Demir, Zakat Foundation of America is a 501(c)3 NGO that helps generous and caring people reach out to those in need. Zakat Foundation’s mission is to address immediate needs and ensure the self-reliance of the poorest people around the world. Zakat Foundation conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 40 countries on five continents. For more information, please visit http://www.ZAKAT.org or call 1-888-ZAKAT-US