Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
Ramadan is a month of giving and generosity. But, as one of the five pillars of Islam, it is also obligatory for Muslims to fulfil their Zakat (charity) before the end of the Holy Month.
Zakat Al Fitr is intended to purify one's fast and enable the less fortunate to celebrate Eid with dignity. The contribution must be made in cash or staple food items, ensuring that at least two poor people benefit from each Zakat payment.
The UAE's Council for Fatwa set last year's Zakat Al Fitr amount at Dh25 per person, or 2.5kg of rice, payable before the end of Ramadan, with the rate likely to remain the same this year.
Charity Organisations
There are several charity organisations across the UAE where Muslims can pay their Zakat Al Fitr.
To make the process more convenient, several UAE-based charity organisations have digital platforms where residents can easily pay their Zakat Al Fitr online.
Some have pay points at ADNOC petrol stations and outside mosques for those wishing to make their donations there.
The UAE's Zakat Fund distributes contributions across various charity projects, including education, healthcare and financial aid for debtors and people with special needs.
The public can pay their Zakat Al Fitr online via websites, mobile apps, SMS, the Abu Dhabi Government Portal, or Etihad Airways portal.
Awqaf, The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, allows individuals to donate towards Islamic affairs, social welfare and orphan care. They have donation booths at several locations that take debit or credit card payments; alternatively, people can donate via the website's e-donation service.
The Emirates Red Crescent accepts various Ramadan donations, including Zakat Al Fitr which can be paid directly through their website or at Emirates Red Crescent pop-ups in malls, petrol stations and mosques.
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) has launched the "Your Zakat to Support Our Education" campaign, aiming to raise Dh11 million for 479 students with disabilities. They allow transfers via bank transfer or SMS donation.
The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) supports global causes, including education, healthcare and humanitarian aid. They accept donations made directly via their website.
The 1 billion Meals Initiative aims to eradicate hunger through a sustainable food aid endowment. They accept one-time donations for Eid Al Fitr, but also collect monthly donations.
The deadline for Zakat Al Fitr payments is before the Eid Al Fitr prayers.
