Half a Million Meals for the Needy: How Your Donations Feed War-Torn Communities
In the face of hunger and hardship, we stand united. Preparing and distributing hot food to those in need is one of the most impactful yet challenging tasks we undertake at Our Islamic Charity. From war-torn regions like Palestine, Yemen, and Syria to underserved areas in Africa and Asia, our mission to serve the Fuqara (the poor) and Masakin (the destitute) is both a test of perseverance and a testament to the power of unity. Who Are the Fuqara(The Poor)?
The Heart of Our Mission: Serving Hot Meals
Imagine the aroma of freshly cooked meals wafting through a community ravaged by war or poverty. For many, these meals are more than sustenance—they symbolize hope, love, and solidarity. Over the past year, we’ve successfully prepared and distributed over half a million meals, reaching the hungry and marginalized in the most remote and conflict-affected regions.
This noble endeavor, however, comes with its share of obstacles. Procuring ingredients, coordinating logistics, and ensuring the safety of volunteers and food supplies in volatile regions demand meticulous planning and unwavering dedication. But as challenging as it is, the reward far outweighs the effort. Every smile, every prayer of gratitude from a child or parent, makes it worth it.
How Your Donations Make a Difference
You might wonder how such a monumental task is funded and executed. The answer lies in the generosity of donors like you and our efficient allocation of resources. Here’s how we manage it:
- Donations for Food Supplies: Many of you contribute specifically for food and essential ingredients. These donations are directly channeled into purchasing high-quality staples that form the backbone of our meal programs.
- Sadaqah Contributions: Giving Sadaqah is a beautiful way to purify your wealth while supporting those in dire need. A significant portion of Sadaqah donations goes toward cooking and serving meals to the hungry, fulfilling one of the noblest acts of charity. You can read more about Sadaqah(charity) or give Sadaqah with crypto here.
- Country-Specific Donations: Some donors choose to direct their contributions toward specific countries. These funds are used exclusively for projects within those regions, including food preparation and infrastructure development like kitchen equipment and supply chains. Whether it is Palestine, Yemen, Syria, or other regions in Africa and Asia, 100% of these donations are allocated to the designated area, ensuring that aid is provided where it is needed most. We have continuous activities in many countries in the Middle East, Mediterranean region and Africa, you can see the list of these countries here.
- Zakat Allocations: The Qur’an encourages us to spend Zakat on the Fuqara and Masakin. Your Zakat contributions are carefully allocated to ensure they reach the poorest and most vulnerable, providing them with nourishment and dignity. You can read more about Zakat or give Zakat with crypto here.
Zakat is a powerful tool for supporting the poor and needy (Fuqara and Masakin). The Quran explicitly mentions that Zakat can be spent on the less fortunate, and we ensure that a significant portion of zakat contributions is directed toward feeding hungry families.
“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor (Fuqara) and for the needy (Masakin) 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.” (Quran 9:60)
Statistical Review: Cooking Half a Million Meals for the Needy
Between 2023 and 2024, Our Islamic Charity successfully cooked and distributed 500,000 hot meals to the Fuqara and Masakin. Our kitchens were active across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, and Eritrea, reflecting our broad reach from the Middle East to the Mediterranean and into central Africa.
On average, we prepared 700 hot meals per day, but this figure increases significantly during Ramadan. In the blessed month, our efforts intensify to ensure Muslims fasting in poverty-stricken areas receive nourishing iftar meals. Many lack the resources to prepare proper meals after a long day of fasting, and it’s our duty to step in and provide.
As we approach Ramadan 2025, we are committed to expanding our efforts. This year, we aim to serve even more countries and increase our daily cooking capacity, ensuring no fasting person goes without a warm, fulfilling iftar. With your continued support and crypto donations, we can reach more communities and make an even greater impact.
Overcoming Challenges in War-Torn Regions
Operating in regions like Palestine, Yemen, and Syria comes with unique challenges. Insecurity, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to supplies can make even the simplest tasks complex. Yet, with Allah’s guidance and your support, we’ve built resilient systems to overcome these hurdles.
In Africa and Asia, the local community plays an indispensable role. Volunteer cooks, often working under difficult circumstances, embody the spirit of giving. Their efforts ensure that the food is prepared with care and reaches those who need it most.
Gratitude to Our Supporters
None of this would be possible without you, our generous donors, and the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to this cause. Your contributions fuel our mission to fight hunger, and your prayers uplift us during challenging times.
Special thanks go to the local cooks in Africa and Asia who work tirelessly and often without compensation. Their dedication ensures we can reach the hungry and provide them with warm, nourishing meals. Together, we are not just feeding people; we are building a future filled with hope and compassion.
Let’s continue this journey together. With your support, we can expand our efforts, reach more countries, and cook even more meals for those who need them most. Join us in this rewarding mission and be part of the change.
Together, we can make the world a better place, one meal at a time. Hopefully, we will be able to present the report of cooking and distributing one million meals to the needy very soon.
