Latest news with #ZakatAlFitr
The National
09-04-2025
- General
- The National
UAE charity delivers 615,000 iftar meals in Dh165 million Ramadan drive
A leading UAE charitable organisation delivered more than 600,000 iftar meals in the Emirates and across the globe as part of a Dh165 million ($44.9 million) Ramadan drive. The International Charity Organisation – which was established in Ajman in 1984 and operates in 23 countries – offered critical support to people in need through a variety of humanitarian projects held during the holy month. The ICO organises charity campaigns annually in celebration of the generous spirit of Ramadan, which this year was observed from March 1 to March 29 in the Emirates. Key successes of the 2025 initiative included the distribution of 315,000 iftar meals in "highly impoverished regions" and 22,000 food parcels in more than 450 villages internationally, state news agency Wam reported on Wednesday. Within the UAE, the ICO served up a further 300,000 iftar meals, 3,500 Ramadan food baskets, and 80,000 Fitra – also known as Zakat Al Fitr – donations of food given to needy families before the start of Eid Al Fitr. The Ramadan effort also funded the building of 258 mosques, supported the drilling of 1,000 water wells in areas facing water scarcity, and provided assistance to 60,000 orphans. Additional charitable endeavours encompassed medical care and equipment provision, debt relief efforts, and support for income-generating family projects. Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Nuaimi, chairman of the ICO's board of trustees, said crucial support from the public had helped exceed the initial targets of the campaign and reiterated the UAE's commitment to providing assistance to vulnerable people in all corners of the globe. He offered his thanks to the dedicated teams of the ICO for their outstanding contributions during Ramadan and highlighted that a spirit of giving remained at the heart of the body's work. The UAE seeks to put philanthropy in focus during Ramadan, with charitable drives regularly launched during the period. This year, the UAE raised more than Dh3.72 billon through the Fathers' Endowment campaign, which was created to provide 'treatment and health care to the poor and needy'. This figure was reached thanks to the contributions of 277,000 donors. Meanwhile, the UAE Food Bank distributed millions of meals both domestically and internationally as part of its United in Giving campaign.
Sharjah 24
30-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Hundreds of thousands attend Eid prayers at Grand Mosque, Makkah
Eid joy and unity in the sermon In his sermon, Sheikh Al Sudais emphasised the importance of joy and unity on Eid, advising Muslims to rejoice and celebrate the occasion. He reminded them that Eid is a time for happiness, not sorrow, and urged them to spread cheer, comfort, and respect among families and communities. Prophet Muhammad's example of joyful Eid celebrations The Imam also cited examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to reinforce the importance of celebrating Eid with happiness. He recalled the story of how the Prophet allowed two slave girls to sing and play tambourines on Eid, showing that joy and celebration are part of the tradition. Eid as a day of generosity and brotherhood The Imam encouraged worshippers to be generous, not just with their families, but also with their neighbors, and to purify their hearts from any ill feelings such as hatred, envy, or malice. He emphasised the importance of maintaining family ties and visiting one another on Eid, highlighting that the day should be one of connection, compassion, and forgiveness. The significance of Zakat Al Fitr Sheikh Al Sudais highlighted the importance of Zakat Al Fitr, explaining that it was prescribed to purify fasting Muslims and to provide for the poor. He explained that it is a means of gratitude for the blessings of Allah and encouraged everyone to give with good intentions. The power of Eid greetings in strengthening bonds The Imam also spoke about the significance of Eid greetings, which help strengthen affection and foster unity. He urged Muslims to greet each other with 'May Allah accept from us and from you,' following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Remaining committed to acts of obedience post-Ramadan Sheikh Al Sudais advised Muslims to continue their acts of worship and obedience even after Ramadan, stressing that success and prosperity come through diligence, trust in Allah, and persistence. He encouraged them to maintain their commitment to worship, including fasting the six days of Shawwal after Ramadan, which is equivalent to fasting a whole year. Encouragement for modesty and hijab for women The Imam urged women to continue adhering to the values of modesty, including the practice of hijab, and to maintain chastity and righteousness. He highlighted the importance of women in supporting their families and raising children with strong faith and determination to face life's challenges. Prayers for security and safety Finally, Sheikh Al Sudais prayed for the continued security, peace, and safety of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as for the well-being of all Muslims around the world. He expressed gratitude for the blessings of safety and security bestowed upon the land of the Two Holy Mosques and wished everyone a blessed and joyful Eid.
Observer
30-03-2025
- General
- Observer
Celebrating end of the spiritual journey
The conclusion of Ramadhan marks the beginning of one of two major Islamic holidays, which is Eid Al Fitr. This Eid represents the festival of the breaking of the fast as it falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This occasion symbolises faith, unity and gratitude. As the crescent moon signals the end of Ramadhan's fasting, Muslims come together in a joyous celebration. On this day, Muslims across the globe observe various rituals including attending a morning prayer, visit relatives and friends and exchange greetings and gifts. Eid Al Fitr is an important day to give charity and remember those who are far less fortunate than we are. Muslims are required to pay Zakat Al Fitr, a donation of food that must be given before Eid prayer, prior the end of Ramadhan, for the love of Allah. Zakat Al Fitr is compulsory upon every self-supporting adult Muslim who has food more than their needs, on behalf of themselves and their dependants. This charity ensures that all Muslims, regardless of their financial status, can participate in the celebration of Eid and that no one is excluded from the community's joy. The amount of Zakat Al Fitr is quite small, given as flour or rice. The amount due for each family member is approximately $4 to $5. The scholar and Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) companion, Ibn Abbas, said, 'The Messenger of Allah ordained Zakat Al Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah (charity) for the one who gives it after the prayer.' Actually, there are two primary purposes for Zakat Al Fitr, spiritual and communal. The Zakat donation occurs during Ramadhan to cleanse the worshipper from adulterations and serves as a prerequisite for the acceptance of one's fasting. For the communal, Zakat is a way to help the poor and needy. The day of Eid is a day of prayer and gathering, allowing Muslims to gratify the poor as they close out Ramadhan. Generally, Ramadhan is a period of spiritual reflection, prayer, acts of kindness and time spent with loved ones. Hence, Eid Al Fitr comes to celebrate the end of fasting and to express gratitude to Allah for providing strength and guidance throughout Ramadhan. As this month came to an end, Muslims look forward to carrying the lessons of Ramadhan with them, striving to live a life of balance, peace and spiritual fulfilment. In fact, Eid Al Fitr is a time to reflect on the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadhan. It is a time for renewal, where Muslims are encouraged to continue the good habits and positive changes they cultivated during the month-long journey throughout the year. Ramadhan was an opportunity to rededicate Muslims to the teachings of the faith and the cause of mankind. It was a period of deep reflection on the inter-relationship between man and his neighbours, on the one hand, as well as man and the Almighty Allah, on the other. Of course, this blessed month exists to train us, to guide us and to remind us of how we should approach the remaining 11 months of the year. Ramadhan conveys to us numerous lessons; how to develop our manners and moral courage, how to treat our fellow human beings with respect, how to strengthen our brotherhood, how to maintain unity among the Muslim community and how to be welcoming to all the non-Muslims who share this land with us. The month also teaches us to be more religious, disciplined and how to maintain self-control, while protecting our souls from greed and immorality. But, most importantly, the month teaches us how we can improve our connection with the Allah. The writer is author, translator and a communications professional
Al Etihad
27-03-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Emirates Red Crescent brings joy to thousands in needy communities this season of kindness
27 Mar 2025 22:57 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Thousands of people in underprivileged communities have felt the warmth of the Holy Month of Ramadan, thanks to the wide-ranging projects of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) – Abu Dhabi Centre for this season of kindness and financial aid to food parcels and iftar distributions, the humanitarian organisation ensures that those in need receive the necessary upcoming Eid Al Fitr, the ERC will continue to spread joy with an array of initiatives for the less fortunate."These efforts promote the humanitarian values of solidarity, compassion, and community support - core values that have long been a hallmark of the UAE's identity," Saleem Sultan Al Suwaidi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Centre of the ERC, told of the centre's core projects this season is Ramadan Assistance, which offers financial aid to vulnerable families to help cover essential living expenses. With 1,462 beneficiary cases, this initiative directly supports 6,598 individuals, allowing them to meet their basic needs during the Holy ensure families receive adequate nutrition during Ramadan, the ERC rolled out the Food Parcels project. About 18,000 individuals received care packages containing essential items throughout the month of organisation also provided free iftar meals at 51 locations across the region. This project reached a staggering 360,000 beneficiaries, ensuring that those in need can have proper meals after a day of in especially difficult circumstances are also able to receive meals at 10 different distribution points under the Breaking the Fast (Kissar al-Siyam) initiative. This project supported 200,000 individuals, particularly those who struggle to afford meals. Celebrating Eid with Dignity Another key initiative is the Zakat Al Fitr, which is aimed at providing the less fortunate with the means to celebrate Eid with dignity. The ERC has distributed Zakat Al Fitr for 2,014 beneficiary cases, helping 7,107 individuals cover basic necessities and enjoy the 486 individuals are also gifted with new clothes under the Eid Clothing initiative."These campaigns represent the UAE's ongoing commitment to its humanitarian leadership and contribute to alleviating the suffering of families in need and improving their living conditions," Al Suwaidi said. Through these projects, the ERC continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan and Eid is felt by all, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
Arabian Business
26-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE Fatwa Council says Zakat Al Fitr can be paid in cash
The UAE Council for Fatwa has confirmed the permissibility of giving Zakat Al Fitr in cash, setting a recommended value of AED25 per person in 1446 AH. Zakat Al Fitr is a mandatory obligation for all financially capable Muslims, regardless of age or gender. The head of the household is responsible for fulfilling this obligation on behalf of their spouse, children, and dependents. UAE Zakat Al Fitr In a statement ahead of Eid Al Fitr, the Council explained that Zakat Al Fitr is obligatory, according to the hadith by Ibn Omar, 'Allah's Messenger (PBUH) has made Sadaqat Al Fitr obligatory, (and it was), either one Sa' of barley or one Sa' of dates'.
