Ibadah / Acts of Worship

Overcoming Challenges in Palestine Aid: Delivering Hope

Imagine the frustration of trying to deliver fresh food to hungry families, only to have it spoil because of unexpected delays. This is a harsh reality for our team at Our Islamic Charity, one of the many challenges we face in bringing aid to those in need across Palestine.

While financial constraints are a constant hurdle, there are other, often unforeseen, obstacles that threaten our ability to deliver vital support. Today, we want to share some of these challenges and the unwavering spirit that keeps us going.

Beyond Financial Hardship: The Daily Struggles

Providing for basic human needs in Palestine requires constant vigilance and adaptation. Security concerns, environmental issues, water scarcity, and the educational well-being of children are just a few of the hurdles we encounter daily.

  • Navigating Checkpoints: Security checks are a necessary part of life in Palestine. However, unexpected delays at checkpoints can have devastating consequences. One of our food trucks was recently held for 72 hours at the entrance to Be’er Sheva. The scorching summer heat turned our fresh ingredients into a rotten mess, causing a significant setback in our food distribution efforts.
  • Reaching Gaza and Rafah: Delivering aid to Gaza and Rafah presents unique challenges. Despite the difficulties, we are committed to maintaining this vital lifeline for those in need.
  • Waste Management Woes: Damage to infrastructure and disrupted waste collection services in war-torn areas create a critical sanitation issue. We actively promote waste reduction and are constantly exploring solutions for creating a more sustainable waste management system.
  • Water: A Precious Commodity: Water scarcity is a constant threat in Palestine. There are times when water rationing becomes unavoidable, forcing us to prioritize its use in essential services.
  • Educating Our Future: The education of Palestinian children, especially those displaced by conflict, is paramount. Despite limited resources, we strive to provide learning opportunities in makeshift tents, on the streets, or wherever space allows. Our mission is to ensure these children don’t fall behind in their education.

The Unwavering Spirit of Our Team

These are just a few of the challenges we face every day. Despite the obstacles, the spirit of our team remains unbroken. We are driven by a deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our community.

We understand the importance of transparency and want to share these challenges with you, our valued supporters. By understanding the complexities of delivering aid in Palestine, you gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of your contributions.

Together, we can overcome these hurdles and ensure that even the most basic necessities reach those who need them most. Your continued support, financial or otherwise, is a beacon of hope in these trying times.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our Islamic Charity is a team dedicated to alleviating the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. With your help, we can continue to provide critical food aid, promote sanitation, ensure access to education, and extend a helping hand to those most affected by conflict.

This fight for a better tomorrow requires all of us. Donate to Our Islamic Charity today and become part of the solution. Together, we can build a brighter future for Palestine.

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Choosing Your Zakat and Khums Calculation Date: A Guide for Fulfilling Your Obligations

As Muslims, fulfilling our financial obligations like zakat and khums is a cornerstone of our faith. It allows us to purify our wealth, share blessings with those in need, and contribute to a more just society. But sometimes, a question arises – when exactly should we calculate and pay our zakat and khums?

While there’s no specific date mandated in the Quran or Sunnah, establishing a consistent date for yourself brings several benefits:

  • Clarity and Organization: Having a set date streamlines the process, ensuring you don’t overlook this important act.
  • Timely Distribution: Calculating zakat and khums on a designated date allows for prompt distribution to those who deserve it most.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve fulfilled your obligations fosters a sense of peace and spiritual well-being.

how do you choose your calculation date?

Here are some popular options:

  • The Beginning of the Hijri Year: Many Muslims opt for the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. This aligns with the concept of a fresh start and new beginnings.
  • Significant Dates: Some choose dates with personal or religious significance, like the start of Ramadan, Dhul-Hijjah before Hajj, or the Prophet’s birthday. These serve as easy reminders for annual calculations.
  • Personal Anniversaries: Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or other personal milestones can also be used as calculation dates. This ensures you remember your zakat and khums obligations annually.

The key is to choose a date you’ll remember easily and consistently.

Calculating Crypto Zakat: A Modern Approach

With the growing popularity of cryptocurrency, a question arises: how does zakat apply to these digital assets? The good news is, zakat principles extend to crypto holdings as well. Since they are considered a form of wealth, 2.5% of your total crypto value that has reached a haul (one lunar year) is subject to zakat. We have created a crypto zakat calculator for crypto donors that is compliant with Islamic law, which you can view here.

Calculating Khums

Khums is an annual obligation specific to Shia Muslims. It applies to all surplus wealth that has reached a haul, including crypto holdings. The calculation involves determining one-fifth (20%) of your net surplus wealth after deducting any personal debts or expenses.

Remember, consulting with a qualified Islamic scholar can provide personalized guidance specific to your circumstances. If you have any questions about calculation or payment, you can ask your questions using “Contact Us”.

Should a Muslim pay both Khums and Zakat?

It depends. To calculate Sharia payments for Sunni and Shia is different. Here’s the breakdown of Khums and Zakat obligations for Sunni and Shia Muslims:

  • Sunni Muslims: They are obligated to pay Zakat only. Khums is not considered an obligation for Sunni Muslims.
  • Shia Muslims: They are obligated to pay both Khums and Zakat. However, there’s a slight difference in how Zakat is calculated for Shia Muslims compared to Sunnis.
Muslim Sect Zakat Khums
Sunni Obligated Not Obligated
Shia Obligated (calculation might differ slightly) Obligated

Fulfilling Your Zakat Obligation and Making a Lasting Difference

Choosing a zakat and khums calculation date is a simple yet impactful step. By establishing a consistent practice, you ensure the timely fulfillment of your financial obligations and contribute to a more equitable society. May your generosity and commitment to your faith continue to flourish!

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The Gift of Clean Water in Islam and Beyond

Imagine a world where the simplest act of quenching your thirst becomes a daily struggle. This harsh reality faces millions globally, lacking access to clean drinking water, a fundamental necessity for life itself. In Islam, water holds immense significance, woven into the very fabric of our faith and practices.

The Quran beautifully describes water’s role in creation:

“And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Quran 21:30).

It’s a source of purification, used for ablution (ritual cleansing) before prayers. Prophetic traditions emphasize its importance, with Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) narrating:

“The best form of charity is giving water.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4286).

This significance extends beyond religious practice. Clean water is the cornerstone of health and well-being. Medical science highlights its vital role in regulating body temperature, flushing toxins, and ensuring proper organ function. Dehydration can lead to a cascade of health complications, impacting everything from digestion to cognitive function.

Water is also the lifeblood of agriculture. It nourishes crops, sustains livestock, and underpins food security for entire communities. When access to clean water is limited, agricultural productivity suffers, impacting food availability and potentially leading to malnutrition.

Our faith actively encourages providing clean water to those in need. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized:

“Whoever provides water to a believer who is thirsty will be rewarded according to what he has provided.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6041).

This extends not just to fellow Muslims but to all living beings.

Among Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), providing clean water through wells or water filtration systems is a powerful and impactful choice. It offers a continuous stream of rewards in the hereafter, while alleviating immediate suffering and promoting long-term well-being for entire communities. By ensuring access to clean water, we invest in the health, livelihood, and future of those most vulnerable.

The Gift of Clean Water: A Legacy of Compassion

Imagine the impact of your donation. A village well, built through your generosity, becomes a source of life for generations to come. Women and children no longer have to walk for hours to collect water, allowing them to pursue education and income opportunities. The risk of waterborne illnesses diminishes, and overall health improves. This is the power of Sadaqah Jariyah through clean water projects.

Cryptocurrency: A Modern Tool for an Ancient Tradition

The world of charity is evolving, and our Islamic Charity Institution is embracing new technologies to make giving easier and more accessible. Cryptocurrency donations offer a secure, transparent, and efficient way to support clean water initiatives.

Why Choose Us?

Our Islamic Charity Institution has a proven track record of delivering clean water solutions to communities in need. We work with local partners to ensure projects are sustainable and culturally appropriate. When you donate with us, you can be confident your contribution is making a real difference.

Join Us in Securing a Lifeblood

By giving the gift of clean water, you’re not just fulfilling a religious obligation, you’re contributing to a healthier, more prosperous future for all. Explore our website to learn more about our clean water projects and how you can make a lasting impact through Sadaqah Jariyah with cryptocurrency or traditional methods.

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Why Do Muslims Give Sadaqah? A Guide to Daily Charity and its Blessings

Sadaqah, a voluntary act of charity, is a cornerstone of Islamic practice. It’s a way to express gratitude for our blessings, purify our wealth, and connect with those in need. But beyond the practical aspects, giving Sadaqah offers a deep sense of peace, strengthens our connection to Allah (SWT), and brings a multitude of spiritual and worldly benefits.

Let’s delve into the reasons why Muslims give Sadaqah and explore how this act of generosity fosters a fulfilling and blessed life.

Peace of Mind and Spiritual Connection

The act of giving Sadaqah cultivates a sense of inner peace and satisfaction. By sharing our resources with those less fortunate, we fulfill our responsibility as stewards of Allah’s (SWT) bounty. This fosters a deep sense of gratitude for our own blessings and a connection to something larger than ourselves.

Imagine the joy of seeing a smile on the face of someone you’ve helped. That feeling of compassion and connection to another human being is a powerful source of inner peace. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of helping one another.

Helping Fellow Human Beings and Building a Stronger Community

Islam emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and helping those in need. Sadaqah allows us to play a vital role in alleviating suffering, supporting worthy causes, and building a more just and compassionate society.

Whether it’s donating to food banks, supporting educational initiatives, or providing assistance to disaster victims, our Sadaqah can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. By giving Sadaqah, we contribute to a stronger, more supportive community where everyone feels cared for and valued.

Blessings in Life and Increased Provision

The Quran and hadiths are filled with verses and sayings that extol the virtues of Sadaqah. It’s a powerful tool for increasing our provision and attracting blessings into our lives.

Many Muslims believe that giving Sadaqah purifies our wealth and protects it from depletion. By sharing what we have, we demonstrate our trust in Allah (SWT) to provide for our needs. In return, He may increase our blessings and grant us even greater provision.

Sadaqah is not just about material wealth. A kind word, a helping hand, or even a simple smile can all be considered forms of Sadaqah. These acts of generosity, no matter how small, can bring immense rewards and blessings.

Warding off Hardships and Seeking Forgiveness

Sadaqah is also seen as a way to ward off hardships and calamities. By sharing our blessings with others, we demonstrate our faith and reliance on Allah (SWT) for protection.

There are also hadiths that suggest Sadaqah can be a means of seeking forgiveness for sins. While it should never be seen as a replacement for sincere repentance, giving Sadaqah can help us purify our hearts and seek Allah’s (SWT) mercy.

The Power of Daily Sadaqah: Starting Your Day with Generosity

Many Muslims believe that starting the day with Sadaqah sets a positive tone and brings blessings throughout the day. Even a small donation can be a powerful way to invite Allah’s (SWT) favor and open the door to further opportunities for giving.

Daily Sadaqah doesn’t have to be a burden. It can be as simple as donating a few coins, volunteering your time, or offering a helping hand to someone in need. By incorporating Sadaqah into your daily routine, you cultivate a spirit of generosity and compassion that becomes a way of life.

Verses and Hadiths on the Importance of Sadaqah

The Quran and hadiths are replete with verses and sayings that emphasize the importance of Sadaqah. Here are just a few examples:

  • Quran (2:272): “Not upon you, [O Muhammad], is [responsibility for] their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah . And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.
  • Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari): “The giving of charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.”
  • Hadith (Sahih Muslim): “Charity is a duty upon each and every Muslim. Whoever has surplus wealth should give charity.”

These verses and hadiths remind us that Sadaqah is not just an act of kindness, but a core Islamic principle with profound spiritual and practical benefits.

By giving Sadaqah, we not only help others but also invest in our own well-being and spiritual growth. It’s a way to connect with Allah (SWT), purify our hearts, and build a more just and compassionate world. So let’s embrace the practice of Sadaqah and experience the countless blessings it brings.

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Fulfilling Your Zakat and Sadaqah Obligations: Why a 100% Donation Policy Matters

In Islam, charity is more than just good deeds; it’s a fundamental pillar of our faith. We are called to share our blessings with those less fortunate, purifying our wealth and fostering a more just society. But how can we ensure our charitable giving aligns with Islamic principles? This is where the concept of a 100% donation policy comes into play, offering a transparent and accountable approach to managing your Zakat and Sadaqah.

Understanding Zakat and Sadaqah: Fulfilling Your Religious Duty

Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a mandatory form of charity that entails giving a fixed percentage (typically 2.5%) of your eligible wealth to those in need. Sadaqah, on the other hand, is voluntary charity, allowing you to donate any amount you wish. Both Zakat and Sadaqah hold immense significance, promoting social responsibility and fostering compassion within the Muslim community.

However, fulfilling these obligations extends beyond simply giving money away. Islamic jurisprudence outlines specific guidelines regarding who qualifies to receive Zakat and Sadaqah, as well as the permissible uses for these funds. These guidelines ensure that your charitable contributions provide the most benefit to those who truly need them.

Who Receives Zakat and Sadaqah?

The categories of those eligible to receive Zakat are clearly defined in the Quran and Hadith. These include the poor and needy, those in debt, travelers stranded without provisions, those fighting in the سبيل الله ( سبيل الله – Cause of Allah), those converting to Islam, and those whose hearts need to be reconciled (to Islam).

Sadaqah, being voluntary, offers more flexibility in terms of recipients. You can donate to any worthy cause that aligns with your charitable intentions, be it supporting educational initiatives, providing food and shelter for the homeless, or aiding victims of natural disasters.

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability: The Importance of a 100% Donation Policy

At our Islamic Charity Institution, we understand the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards when it comes to managing your Zakat and Sadaqah contributions. That’s why we have implemented a strict 100% donation policy. This means that every single Satoshi you donate reaches those in need, with no deductions taken for administrative or operational costs.

We are Muslims and we know that in Islam it is forbidden(Haram – حرام) to spend from zakat, sadaqah(charity) and donation other than the things that are mentioned in Islamic orders and Islamic jurisprudence.

We recognize the concerns some may have regarding the management of Zakat and Sadaqah funds. The question arises: how can administrative costs be covered without taking from these donations? Here, we want to assure you that we have established sustainable financial practices to ensure the smooth operation of our charity. These practices may include fundraising initiatives, endowment funds, and income-generating activities that adhere to Islamic principles.

By adopting a 100% donation policy, we not only fulfill the religious obligation of Zakat and Sadaqah in its purest form, but also build trust and transparency with our donors. You can be confident that your charitable contributions are being used exactly as intended, with maximum impact on those who need them most. You can go to the projects section and read all kinds of active projects of our Islamic charity organization, or you can go to the reports section and read the reports of crypto activities and spending.

Navigating the Modern Landscape: Crypto Donations and Fulfilling Your Obligations

The world of finance is constantly evolving, and the emergence of cryptocurrency has presented a new avenue for charitable giving. Our Islamic Charity Institution embraces this innovation, allowing you to fulfill your Zakat and Sadaqah obligations using your crypto holdings.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the unique considerations surrounding crypto donations. Since the concept of cryptocurrency is relatively new, Islamic scholars are actively engaged in discourse to determine the most appropriate way to handle Zakat and Sadaqah in this context. We have followed these instructions and designed a crypto zakat calculator for you and you can calculate your zakat based on both crypto and fiat from here.

Understanding the Permissible Uses of Crypto Zakat and Sadaqah

While the specific regulations for crypto Zakat and Sadaqah are still under development, some general principles can be applied based on existing Islamic jurisprudence. The core principle remains the same: your crypto donations must be used for the benefit of those who qualify under the established categories for Zakat and Sadaqah recipients.

Here at our Islamic Charity Institution, we take a cautious yet progressive approach. We strive to utilize cutting-edge technology while remaining firmly grounded in Islamic principles. When you donate cryptocurrency to us, we make every effort to convert it into fiat currency (traditional money) to be used for approved charitable causes. The use of fiat is much more common in less developed countries and we will convert your donated crypto into fiat of the same country and spend it on projects to help the needy.

This ensures that your Zakat and Sadaqah reach those in need in a way that is aligned with Islamic teachings. We are constantly monitoring developments in the cryptocurrency landscape and working with Islamic scholars to refine our approach as necessary.

Fulfilling Your Zakat and Sadaqah Obligations with Confidence

By choosing a charity that adheres to a 100% donation policy and embraces new forms of giving like crypto donations, you can be confident that your charitable contributions are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. You are fulfilling your religious obligations with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to following Islamic principles.

Our Islamic Charity Institution is here to partner with you on your journey of charitable giving. We offer a secure platform for donating Zakat and Sadaqah, be it through traditional methods or innovative avenues like cryptocurrency. We are dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring your donations reach those who deserve them the most.

Let us join hands in building a more just and compassionate world, one charitable act at a time. Contact us today to learn more about how you can fulfill your Zakat and Sadaqah obligations with confidence.

CryptocurrencyIbadah / Acts of WorshipKhumsReligionReportSadaqahWhat We DoZakat