UNHCR’s Representative to Kuwait, Nisreen Rubaian, recently shared the significant progress made by the Refugee Zakat Fund, which has become a key player in providing humanitarian aid. Since its establishment in 2017, the fund has impacted over 8.9 million people in 31 countries. This highlights the increasing role of Zakat in addressing the needs of displaced communities worldwide.
Rubaian made the announcement during the launch of UNHCR’s 7th annual Islamic Philanthropy Report. The report underscores the growing influence of Zakat and Sadaqah, two forms of Islamic charity, in supporting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). In 2024 alone, global contributions reached over $14 million, aiding more than 474,000 displaced people across 22 countries. Alongside this, Sadaqah donations exceeded $7.8 million, benefiting over 390,000 displaced individuals in 16 countries.
This surge in charitable contributions is further evident in UNHCR’s humanitarian campaigns throughout 2024. Notably, these included key events such as Ramadan, Dhul Hijjah, Sadaqah Jariah, and Winter campaigns, which collectively highlighted the importance of Islamic philanthropy in times of crisis.
As the Holy Month of Ramadan began, Rubaian called on donors to increase their support, especially given the current global humanitarian challenges. The ongoing crises in Syria and Sudan have left millions in dire need of assistance. Rubaian emphasized that continued help is crucial for these vulnerable communities, especially displaced families struggling to survive.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis, the Refugee Zakat Fund has distributed over $78 million in donations. This has directly benefited 2.4 million people across countries like Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Türkiye. The majority of these funds have been used for multi-month cash assistance programs, which provide displaced families with vital resources to meet basic needs and rebuild their lives.
Moreover, UNHCR’s commitment to Zakat compliance was reaffirmed in 2024. The organization appointed the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) to oversee Zakat management, ensuring donations meet the required standards. In addition, the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR) was launched, further enhancing philanthropic efforts. This fund is the result of collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and aims to bring even more resources to those in need.
To make Zakat giving more accessible, UNHCR continues to innovate with its Refugee Zakat Fund App. This is the only Zakat-dedicated app from a UN agency, offering donors a transparent and efficient way to contribute.
As global displacement continues to rise, the impact of Zakat remains undeniable. The Refugee Zakat Fund has proven to be an essential tool in addressing the humanitarian needs of millions of displaced people. Through continued support and innovation, this vital Islamic philanthropy mechanism will continue to play a key role in transforming lives worldwide.
