AUS declared zakat-eligible for student scholarships
The Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah has confirmed — through an official fatwa — that supporting higher education is a recognised form of zakat. A fatwa, meaning a formal clarification or ruling on Islamic law, affirms that the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is eligible to receive zakat contributions for student scholarships. This designation allows donors to fulfil their zakat obligations while directly transforming the lives of students facing financial challenges.
Zakat – meaning purification or almsgiving – is an essential form of charitable giving and pillar in Islam, ensuring financial support for those in need.
For many students, financial constraints can be a barrier to achieving their academic aspirations.
By directing zakat contributions toward scholarships, AUS ensures that talented students facing financial challenges receive the support they need to continue their education without disruption.
Members of the AUS business community have already begun contributing their zakat to scholarships, further reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and accessibility.
'Education is a powerful tool for opportunity and progress. By contributing zakat toward student scholarships, our community is playing an essential role in shaping futures and removing financial barriers to success,' said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.
'The generosity we are witnessing is a testament to the profound impact education has in transforming lives and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our donors.'
The scholarships funded through zakat are designated for Muslim students facing financial difficulties and cover a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, business and the arts and sciences.
'Scholarships have long been a cornerstone of AUS' mission to provide a world-class education to talented students, regardless of financial background. At AUS, we work throughout the year to ensure that students have access to financial support, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. The acceptance of zakat contributions adds another meaningful dimension to these efforts, allowing even more students to benefit from the generosity of our community,' said Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.
AUS invites individuals and organisations to embrace the spirit of Ramadan — a time of giving, compassion and shared responsibility — by contributing to student scholarships and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of educational success.
To contribute or learn more, please visit go.aus.edu/zakat-contribution or contact the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at
[email protected]
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fintech News ME
17 hours ago
- Fintech News ME
Qatar Islamic Bank Partners with Visa to Boost Cross-Border B2B Payments
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has partnered with Visa to enhance cross-border business-to-business (B2B) transactions. The collaboration involves the integration of the Visa B2B Connect platform, which will enable corporate clients to transfer funds from Qatar to 120 countries in a secure and streamlined manner. The platform is designed to support businesses in conducting international transactions more efficiently, aiming to improve the reliability and security of cross-border payments. QIB's adoption of Visa B2B Connect aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen international payment corridors and provide clients with cost-effective and consistent transfer services. Tarek Fawzi, General Manager, Wholesale Banking Group at QIB, said: 'By leveraging cutting-edge technology and digital advancements, we're able to process account-to-account transfers promptly, helping businesses stay competitive and contributing to the broader economic landscape.' QIB is the first Islamic bank in Qatar to adopt the Visa B2B Connect platform, adding to its existing international money transfer services and expanding its digital payment capabilities. Shashank Singh, Visa's Vice President and General Manager for Qatar and Kuwait, said: 'Visa B2B Connect provides seamless, secure and efficient global money movement solutions for financial institutions and their corporate clients. The solution also supports the Qatar government's efforts to drive digital innovation in the financial and business sector.' International money transfers often involve complexities, but this new network aims to improve transparency and predictability. These features may support better financial planning and strategic decision-making for businesses operating across borders.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
AUS and American University, Washington, DC, launch 4+1 pathway to graduate studies in environmental science
Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah's (AUS) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has signed a new agreement with American University (AU), Washington, DC, to offer a 4+1 academic pathway for AUS students majoring in environmental sciences and sustainability. The initiative will enable eligible students to earn a Master of Science in Environmental Science from American University in just one additional year after completing their four-year undergraduate degree at AUS. The agreement, finalized in April 2025, builds on more than two decades of ties between AUS and AU, which share a long-standing institutional relationship dating back to AUS' founding. This latest partnership was spearheaded by Dr. Fatin Samara, a professor at AUS' Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, who is also currently an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Environmental Sciences at AU. Her affiliation with both institutions helped bring the partnership to life, along with support from several members of the environmental sciences faculty. 'The launch of this new partnership, during the same week as Earth Day, symbolizes our community's commitment to creating pathways for students to progress toward environmental leadership,' said Dr. Samara. 'Those who choose this pathway will be equipped with the tools, knowledge and global perspective needed to address pressing environmental challenges and build a more sustainable future.' A highly regarded institution, AU is among the top 100 US universities in the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings and ranks second in the US in The Princeton Review's Green Colleges ranking. 'CAS' leadership is delighted to see this partnership come to life. It reflects our commitment to providing CAS' students with an enriched academic experience that extends beyond borders. We are proud to collaborate with a globally respected institution like American University in Washington, DC, on this 4+1 pathway. This partnership will help accelerate the route to graduate education for our students in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program and allow them to spend a year studying in a global center for environmental policy and research,' said Dr. Hana Sulieman, Associate Dean of CAS. Under the 4+1 model, AUS students will complete their four-year bachelor's degree at AUS and transfer to American University for one additional year of study to complete their master's degree. Eligible students may transfer up to nine credits toward the master's degree, including two graduate-level courses and their senior research project, taken during their final year at AUS. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. As part of the agreement, AUS students admitted to the program will also receive a generous 50 percent tuition scholarship, significantly lowering the cost of graduate study in the US. 'We are excited to expand our partnership with the American University of Sharjah through an accelerated pathway to a master's degree in environmental science, said Dr. Vicky Wilkins, Provost of American University. 'This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to confront the complex sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive global environmental progress.' Students applying can choose between a thesis track focused on environmental science research and a non-thesis track in environmental policy and advocacy. Both tracks emphasize interdisciplinary learning and real-world application and integrate science with policy, economics and global sustainability issues. After graduating, students will benefit from Washington, DC's position as an international hub for environmental research, advocacy and policy and its vibrant job market, where junior roles start at $60,000 and senior roles reach over $140,000 a year according to a job search and labor market data platform. Graduates of American University's Master of Science in Environmental Science have gone on to work at organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the World Bank, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. AU's faculty are actively involved in cutting-edge research, from food systems and climate resilience to geospatial analysis and environmental toxicology, also making it an excellent destination for AUS graduates wishing to pursue an academic or research career. The program will be available to AUS students beginning in Fall 2025. About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Hi Dubai
Mashreq Lists USD 500 Million Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai Amid Strong Global Demand
Mashreq has marked a key milestone in its Islamic finance journey with the listing of a USD 500 million Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai, following strong investor demand and signaling renewed confidence in the region's capital markets. The Sukuk, due in 2030, was issued by Mashreq Al Islami Sukuk Company Ltd. under the bank's USD 2.5 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme. Attracting an oversubscribed orderbook of USD 2.9 billion, the issuance saw broad participation from over 90 global investors across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The listing ceremony was attended by senior Mashreq executives, including Group CEO Ahmed Abdelaal, who rang the market-opening bell alongside Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market. Abdelaal described the debut listing as a 'new chapter' in Mashreq's capital markets strategy, highlighting its disciplined funding approach and commitment to sustainable, Sharia-compliant financial solutions. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of Mashreq, called the listing a demonstration of the bank's role in advancing global Islamic finance. Hamed Ali noted that the move underscores Nasdaq Dubai's position as a global platform linking regional issuers with international investors and supporting diversified financing needs. The successful Sukuk launch is also significant as it marked the first public issuance from the CEEMEA region since the announcement of U.S. tariffs in April 2025, which had stirred global market volatility. Its strong reception helped pave the way for additional regional issuances. With this listing, total Sukuk listings on Nasdaq Dubai have reached USD 97.2 billion, while overall debt listings now stand at over USD 140 billion — reinforcing Dubai's growing stature as a leading hub for Islamic and international capital markets. News Source: Dubai Media Office
