During these blessed days of Ramadan, our hearts are called to perform acts of compassion and community towards those in need. We remember refugees who’s lives, disrupted by conflicts and natural disasters, are marked by loss and uncertainty. And while our homes and tables overflow with joy and togetherness, for refugees, there is often no such place. This year, we send a heartfelt call to extend your Ramadan table to vulnerable refugee and displaced families. Take a look at the many ways you can support a family in need: Extend your Ramadan table As you prepare your table for Iftar, consider ..read more

Giving during Ramadan is not just about charity; it’s a core belief in Islam about caring for others. The money raised in this year’s Ramadan campaign will go towards helping refugees and displaced families in dire need of support. The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, Arun Boonchom, as the spiritual leader of Thailand’s Muslim community, is supporting UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)’s Ramadan campaign. The campaign aims to help people in need among refugees and other displaced people affected by violence and poverty. As Muslims observe Ramadan, Arun Boonchom urges everyone to be kind and give generously ..read more

Since its launch in 2017, the Refugee Zakat Fund has helped more than 8 million refugees and IDPs, including nearly 2 million in 2023, thanks to Zakat and Sadaqah contributions. View Report The post Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report 2023 appeared first on ..read more

Let us shed some light on UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund and explore 6 key facts that highlight its strong governance and important role in delivering lifesaving assistance to eligible families worldwide.   1- Zakat Eligibility You’ll be dedicating your Zakat to vulnerable refugees and IDPs who fall under at least four of the eight categories of eligible recipients mentioned in the Holy Quran: the poor, the needy, the debtors, and the wayfarers. 2- Endorsed by 17 Fatwas! The Fund is endorsed by 17 fatwas from prominent scholars and institutions globally, including the Muslim World League, OIC ..read more

Established in 2004, the North American Imams Fellow (NAIF) represents a cooperative entity of Islamic leaders serving the multifaceted Muslim communities across North America. The Fellow acts as a unified platform for Imams and chaplains, a pivotal resource, and a point of reference for North American Muslims, governmental bodies, and media channels. In June 2023, NAIF issued a fatwa recognizing and supporting UNHCR as a suitable entity for the collection and distribution of Zakat funds from North American Muslims to refugees around the world mentioning three conditions, including the 100% Za ..read more

UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency has unveiled its Mid-Year Islamic Philanthropy (IP) Report. The figures released show that the support received in the first half of 2023 will positively aid the lives of more than 1.5 million individuals in 21 countries.  Over 110 million people, more than 1% of the global population, are forcibly displaced. UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy has become a key element in the response to this displacement crisis and provides an essential lifeline to millions of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and hosting populations around the world. In particular, the ..read more

On June 21st, in collaboration with UNHCR, the Ismaili Centre in Dubai hosted a dinner in observance of World Refugee Day. This event brought together prominent members of the Ismaili community and fostered engaging conversations about the global displacement crisis. The dinner event featured a significant panel discussion that featured representatives from both UNHCR and the Aga Khan Development Network. Our very own Houssam Chahine was a key participant in this conversation, where he provided detailed insights into the global displacement crisis and shared about the extensive work being unde ..read more

On June 20th, we mark World Refugee Day, established by the United Nations to honour the courage of refugees worldwide, forced to flee due to conflict or persecution. This day serves as a global call to action to ensure refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams are addressed, mobilizing support to enhance their lives. Initiated in 2001, and known before that as Africa Refugee Day, this international day now involves a myriad of events globally. These activities involve refugees, government officials, host communities, corporations, celebrities, school children, and the public, aiming to offer hope a ..read more

UNHCR urgently needs your support to protect and assist civilians caught in the midst of escalating violence in Sudan. Refugees, internally displaced people, and local communities are facing severe challenges as they struggle to access essential resources and assistance. The outbreak of fighting has significantly hindered humanitarian efforts, making it even more critical for us to step up and provide aid to those in desperate need. As people flee the violence, they are arriving in neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. UNHCR is working tirelessly with these governments an ..read more

In 2022, Zakat contributions received through the Refugee Zakat Fund helped more than 727,000 beneficiaries in 17 countries, including refugees in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Somalia, and Tunisia. These funds have also helped IDPs in Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen. This was made possible by Zakat contributions made during 2022, which are allocated in accordance with the 100% Zakat distribution policy, as per the 15 fatwas UNHCR has received over the past several years. Sadaqah funds helped mor ..read more