Report

Practicing Islamic Niyyah

The practice of niyyah in Islam is a crucial aspect of our faith. Niyyah is the act of intention, and it is believed that our intentions shape our actions and our destiny. As Muslims, it is important to make niyyah before performing any act, be it a small task or a major undertaking.

Niyyah is an Arabic word that means intention, purpose, or motive. It is a key concept in Islam, as it determines the validity and reward of one’s actions. According to Islamic teachings, one should have a sincere and pure niyyah for every act of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, etc. One should also have a good niyyah for every worldly action, such as work, study, family, etc., and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in everything they do. Niyyah is not only a verbal declaration, but also a state of mind and heart that reflects one’s faith and commitment to Islam.

Practicing Islamic niyyah means to constantly renew and purify one’s intention for the sake of Allah (SWT), and to align one’s actions with the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Practicing Islamic niyyah helps one to avoid hypocrisy, arrogance, ostentation, and other negative traits that can corrupt one’s deeds. Practicing Islamic niyyah also helps one to achieve excellence, sincerity, gratitude, and humility in one’s life. Practicing Islamic niyyah is a way of worshiping Allah (SWT) with one’s heart and mind, as well as one’s body and soul.

What are Payment Niyyah?
Payment Niyyah(intentions) are the specific purposes or causes that our donors choose or specify when they make their payments to us. Payment intentions can be general or specific, depending on the donor’s preference. For example, a donor can make a general payment intention for any charitable cause that we support, such as education, health, water, food, etc. Or, a donor can make a specific payment intention for a particular project, program, or country that we work in, such as building a school in Pakistan, providing medical aid in Yemen, digging a well in Somalia, etc.
By making a payment intention, our donors express their niyyah for their donation and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in their action. By following their payment intention, we respect their niyyah and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in our action.

How We Follow the Payment Intentions of Our Donors?
We follow the payment intentions of our donors by using a transparent and accountable system that ensures that every payment is spent according to its intended purpose or cause. We use the following steps to follow the payment intentions of our donors:

We record the payments and their payment intentions in our database and issue receipts or acknowledgments to our donors.
We allocate the payments according to their payment intentions to different categories or accounts that correspond to different purposes or causes that we support.
We monitor and track the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts and ensure that they are used for their intended purposes or causes only.
We audit and verify the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts and ensure that they are compliant with the Islamic principles and rules of finance.
We report and communicate the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts to our donors and stakeholders through various channels, such as website, social media, etc.
We evaluate and measure the impact and outcome of the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts on the beneficiaries and society.

Why We Follow the Payment Intentions of Our Donors?
We follow the payment intentions of our donors because we believe that it is our duty and responsibility as an Islamic charity institute to do so. We follow the payment intentions of our donors because:

It is a way of fulfilling our trust (amanah) with our donors who entrust us with their donations and contributions.
It is a way of respecting their wishes and preferences regarding how they want their donations and contributions to be spent.
It is a way of honoring their niyyah (intention) for their donations and contributions and seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in their action.
It is a way of ensuring that their donations and contributions are spent in a halal (permissible) and effective manner that benefits the needy and the oppressed in the world.
It is a way of increasing their confidence and satisfaction with our work and services and encouraging them to continue supporting us in the future.

We at the Islamic charity institute, all our efforts are to carefully follow all the payment intentions of our donors and spend their payments according to their intentions. We do this because we value their trust and confidence in us, we respect their wishes and preferences regarding how they want their payments to be spent, we honor their niyyah (intention) for their payments and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in their action, we ensure that their payments are spent in a halal (permissible) and effective manner that benefits the needy and the oppressed in the world, and we increase their confidence and satisfaction with our work and services and encourage them to continue supporting us in the future. May Allah (SWT) reward our donors and us for our efforts and accept our deeds. Ameen.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion Report What We Do

Why Do We Have a 100% Payment Policy?

How to Spend Zakat and Khums Money in Islam

Zakat and khums are two obligatory forms of charity in Islam that are meant to help the poor and sustain religious institutions at a grassroots level. However, spending zakat and khums money is not allowed in Islam, except for the cases that have been generally permitted by the authorities of Islamic law (taqlid). In this article, we will explain the meaning, purpose and rules of zakat and khums, and how to spend them in a lawful (halal) way.

What is Zakat?

Zakat means “to purify wealth” by giving a compulsory and regular donation to good causes. It is the third pillar of Sunni Islam and the third of the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam. Muslims see wealth as ultimately belonging to Allah, and giving zakat helps to make people more equal. Helping one another is also seen as helping Allah. Zakat donations help Muslims to purify their souls by not being greedy. It is said that the giver of the money will receive a “hundred-fold” back in the afterlife.

Zakat is calculated based on the wealth and income of all Muslims, after they have paid for what is necessary to support themselves and their families. The rate is 2.5 per cent of a Muslim’s wealth, for monetary wealth. There are complex methods of calculating zakat for other types of wealth, such as livestock, crops, gold, silver, etc.

To be obliged to give zakat, an individual must have a certain amount of wealth or savings (after essential living costs). This is called a nisab. The nisab ensures that people who are themselves poor do not suffer hardship in order to give zakat.

The Qur’an (Surah 9:60) reminds Muslims that Allah is all-knowing and all-wise and that he expects Muslims to observe zakat, which can only be used in the following ways:

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”

to help the poor and the needy
to attract people to convert to Islam and to help new converts
to free enslaved people
to help people in debt
to help needy travellers

What is Khums?

Khums means “a fifth” (or 20 per cent) in Arabic. It is the sixth of the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam. This tax is paid on any profit earned by Shi’a Muslims. Shi’a Muslims pay this tax because the Qur’an says:

> “And know that anything you obtain of war booty – then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion – the day when the two armies met. And Allah , over all things, is competent.” (Surah 8:41).

The money is split between charities that support Islamic education and anyone who is descended from Islamic prophet Muhammad who is in need.

The scope of khums tax includes spoils of war, objects obtained from the sea (al-ghaws), treasure (al-kanz), mineral resources (al-ma’adin), business profits (arbaah al-makaasib), lawful (al-halaal) gain which has become mixed with unlawful (al-haraam), and the sale of land to a non-Muslim (dhimmi).

How to Spend Zakat and Khums Money?

Spending zakat and khums money is forbidden (haram) in Islam, except for the cases that have been generally allowed by taqlid authorities. Taqlid means following the rulings of a qualified scholar (mujtahid) who has derived them from the primary sources of Islamic law: the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Muhammad).

According to most taqlid authorities, zakat and khums money can only be spent on the categories mentioned in the Qur’an or on similar causes that serve the same purpose. For example, some scholars allow spending zakat on building mosques, schools or hospitals, as long as they benefit the poor and needy.

One of the principles that taqlid authorities follow is that zakat and khums money should not be wasted or misused. They should be spent wisely and efficiently, with transparency and accountability. They should also be spent as soon as possible, without delay or accumulation.

Why Do We Have a 100% Payment Policy?

As an Islamic charity institution, we have a 100% payment policy for our donors. This means that we do not deduct any administrative or operational costs from your donations Because we are fully aware that spending it in other cases is Haram(forbidden). We cover these costs from other sources, such as money that we receive from our trustees and staff, or from other donations that are not zakat or khums(obligatory payments in Islam).

We have this policy because we want to ensure that your donations reach the intended beneficiaries in full and without any reduction. We also want to respect the sanctity and purity of your zakat and khums money, which are meant to be spent only on the categories specified by Allah and his Messenger.

We hope that this policy will encourage you to donate more generously and confidently, knowing that your donations will make a difference in the lives of the poor and needy. We also hope that this policy will increase your trust and satisfaction in our work and services.

We thank you for your support and cooperation. May Allah bless you and reward you for your generosity.

Report

Sustainable Zakat

Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Zakat
The Islamic faith is rooted in principles that promote peace, compassion, and generosity. At the heart of these principles lies Zakat, a divine obligation for Muslims, serving as a means to purify one’s wealth by distributing a portion of it to those less fortunate. Our Islamic charity embarks on a unique journey to revolutionize the concept of Zakat through our Sustainable Zakat Program.

Harnessing the Power of Green Initiatives
Imagine a world where our collective contributions don’t just provide immediate relief, but also lay the groundwork for lasting change. That’s the vision we’re driving towards with our Sustainable Zakat Program. As we strive to improve the lives of the underprivileged, we understand the need for robust, sustainable solutions that can withstand the test of time. Therefore, we’re directing a portion of our Zakat funds towards green initiatives that not only benefit our local community but also embrace the care for our environment – a principle deeply rooted in Islam.

One impactful way we’re leveraging our Zakat is by investing in solar energy projects. By installing solar panels on mosques and local buildings, we’re taking a significant step towards renewable energy. This isn’t merely about reducing electricity bills; it’s about empowering our community to be self-reliant, harnessing the power of the sun, a blessing that Allah bestows upon us daily. It’s about lighting up lives, quite literally, while also preserving our environment for future generations.

Cultivating Growth with Local Organic Farming
But our environmental stewardship doesn’t stop there. Another exciting facet of our Sustainable Zakat Program is supporting local organic farmers. By doing so, we’re not only promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly food options but also contributing to the local economy.

Imagine, for a moment, the joyous face of a farmer when he reaps his bounty, knowing it was cultivated without causing harm to the earth. Picture the vibrant colors of fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables that land on the plates of our community members. It’s a chain reaction of goodness, nourishing bodies with wholesome food, while also fostering a sense of unity and mutual support.

Quenching Thirst with Clean Water Projects
Water, the source of life, is another area where our Sustainable Zakat Program is making waves. It’s heartbreaking to know that many in our global community lack access to clean, safe drinking water. Therefore, we’re channeling our resources towards clean water projects, providing this basic human right to those in need, quenching their physical thirst, and offering them a beacon of hope.

By investing in these projects, we’re not just providing immediate access to clean water; we’re also establishing sustainable systems that will continue to serve these communities in the long run. Every drop of water delivered resonates with the ripple effect of our collective Zakat contributions.

Join Us in Making a Difference
The Sustainable Zakat Program is more than just a charitable initiative. It’s a testament to our faith, our commitment to social justice, and our collective responsibility towards our planet. By combining the timeless principles of Zakat with the modern need for sustainability, we’re not just giving aid; we’re building bridges towards a better, greener future.

So, we invite you to join us in this journey. Let’s transform lives, one sustainable step at a time. Because when we give, we don’t just fulfill a divine obligation; we become agents of change, embodying the true essence of Zakat.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Report Zakat

Budget for Infants and Orphans Up to 7 Years Old

Infants and orphans up to 7 years old are very sensitive and have more needs than older children. They require constant care, attention, nutrition, health, education and protection. Providing for these needs can be challenging, especially for low-income families or caregivers. That’s why it’s important to have a monthly budget that covers all the expenses for these children.

Basic Necessities
The main priority for any infant or young orphan is providing basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. A monthly budget should allocate funds for:

Food: Growing children need nutritious food regularly to support development and growth. The monthly food budget should cover formula, baby food, regular meals and snacks.
Clothing: Young children grow quickly and need new clothing periodically. Funds should cover a range of sizes as children grow, as well as outerwear, sleepwear, undergarments and weather-appropriate clothing.
Shelter: All young children need a safe, stable place to live that provides protection from the elements. This may mean covering rent, utilities and regular maintenance costs for facilities that house orphans.
Health Care and Medication: Children this age require regular checkups, immunizations and treatment for common childhood illnesses. The monthly budget should account for medical, dental and vision care costs. It should also allocate funds for medications, supplements and basic first aid supplies.
Personal Hygiene: Infants and toddlers need supplies like diapers, wipes, baby wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Funds should cover the costs of these basic hygiene essentials.

Quality Childcare
Beyond necessities, infants and young orphans need quality childcare to support healthy development and growth. Additional monthly costs may include:

Nutritionist Consultations: An expert can ensure children are on the right track nutritionally to support physical and mental development.
Pediatrician Visits: Beyond checkups, regular visits with a pediatrician can catch developmental delays, infections and other issues early.
Therapy Services: Speech, occupational and physical therapy may help address developmental delays and ensure children reach critical milestones.

Unexpected Expenses
The monthly budget should also include some reserve funds for the unexpected. Young children’s needs often change rapidly and unforeseen costs arise frequently, including:

Hospitalization or Surgery: Illnesses can require overnight hospital stays or outpatient procedures not covered by insurance.
Testing: Doctors may order blood work, imaging scans or genetic testing not covered in a basic exam.
Special Medications or Equipment: Treatments for serious illnesses or developmental issues may have high out-of-pocket costs.
Growth Spurts: Children this age frequently outgrow clothes and footwear, requiring new items outside the regular schedule.
Replacements: Toys, equipment and hygiene products often need replacement due to normal wear and tear.

Infants and young orphans are fully dependent on others for their basic needs and wellbeing. Setting up a comprehensive monthly budget can help ensure essential necessities are met along with supplemental funding for quality care, medical needs and unexpected costs. With a stable, consistent source of funding, these vulnerable children stand the best chance of healthy growth and development. In our Islamic charity, a dedicated monthly budget is considered to help infants and orphans up to 7 years old, so that we can ensure the health and quality of the child’s growth.

Projects Report

Upholding Human Dignity

Upholding Human Dignity: The Core of Our Islamic Charity
At the heart of our work lies a principle as old as humanity itself – the unwavering respect for human dignity. As an Islamic charity, our ethos is entrenched in the noble teachings of Islam, which constantly emphasize the intrinsic worth of every individual, irrespective of their circumstances.

The Principle of Human Dignity: The Islamic Perspective
In the grand tapestry of Islamic teachings, the principle of human dignity holds a prominent position. It’s a concept deeply interwoven into the fabric of our faith, and it forms an integral part of our guiding principles. We believe every individual, regardless of their social or economic status, is endowed with an inherent dignity that should be respected and preserved. This principle permeates all our endeavors, shaping the way we interact with those we serve.

Our commitment to preserving human dignity is not just about providing financial aid or material support. It extends beyond that, reaching into the realm of emotional and psychological wellbeing. We strive to empower those we serve, to restore their confidence and self-esteem, and to remind them of their worth and potential.

Human Dignity in Action
We put these principles into action in several ways. We understand the importance of privacy and respect the individual’s right to it. This is why we maintain strict confidentiality about the identities of those we aid. Their names, photos, and personal details are never published or shared. Our interaction with them is always based on mutual respect and understanding.

What we do share, however, are their stories of resilience and hope. With their consent, we share quotes and interviews that depict their journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. These narratives, told in their own words, serve as a beacon of hope for others in similar situations. They also create a bridge of understanding and empathy between our donors and those we serve.

Every quote we share, every story we tell, is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. They are the voices of hope that inspire us, motivate our donors, and illuminate our path forward.

Building Bridges, Fostering Understanding
In a world where misunderstandings often lead to divisions, we believe in building bridges. We strive to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced by those less fortunate. By sharing their narratives, we aim to break down walls of prejudice and stereotype, fostering empathy and understanding.

Our donors, through their generous contributions, are not just providing material aid. They are affirming the dignity of those we serve, sending a message of solidarity and respect. Through their support, they are participating in an act of profound humanity, acknowledging that we are all part of a global family.

We believe that preserving human dignity is more than just an objective; it’s a way of life. Our work is not just about providing aid, but about reinforcing the undeniable truth that every individual deserves respect, understanding and the opportunity to live a dignified life. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to this principle, ensuring that it shines through every initiative we undertake, every life we touch.

After all, as beautifully articulated in a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.” This is the ethos we strive to live by, this is the spirit of our charity.

Report

Report

Practicing Islamic Niyyah

Sustainable Zakat

Budget for Infants and Orphans Up to 7 Years Old

Upholding Human Dignity

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