Have you ever wondered if your zakat is truly making the impact it should? Zakat is more than just a duty—it's a powerful tool to uplift our Ummah and transform lives, but only if managed with the diligence and accountability it truly deserves.
Proper zakat management holds immense significance. However, it is deeply concerning and upsetting to see how many Muslims overlook their role in ensuring the effectiveness of their zakat contributions. Too often, donors shy away from verifying whether their zakat is going to the right organization, whether the funds are being distributed appropriately, and whether the entrusted person is managing it correctly. Many donors find it easier to simply rely on the "zakat verified" badge promoted by crowdfunding platforms or charities without doing the necessary research on their own.
The Importance of Giving with Knowledge
Islam is a practical religion that emphasizes the importance of knowledge. The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was "Read." As Muslims, our actions should always be guided by the right knowledge, as this aligns with our faith. However, many donors place blind trust in those managing their zakat without asking basic questions. Misconduct of funds by charities or crowdfunding platforms often results from donors' blind trust and reluctance to take ownership of their donations. Many bad actors know that donors won't ask for updates or follow-ups, and they exploit this for their own gain. As a donor, you have the right and obligation to know where your money is going, who it is going to, how the funds are distributed, and to see proof of distribution.
The Importance of Zakat to the Ummah
Zakat is one of Islam's five pillars, a compulsory charity that Muslims must provide for those in need. It purifies our wealth and supports the less fortunate. Allah mentions zakat multiple times in the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 110:
"Establish prayer and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will certainly find its reward with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:110).
Research by the Islamic Development Bank Institute shows that the global zakat donation is estimated at almost $550 billion to $600 billion annually.
The Potential Impact of Zakat
To illustrate the potential impact of zakat, consider these figures:
According to an estimate by Oxfam, around $23 billion is needed to fight extreme hunger, and an additional $14 billion is required to fight chronic hunger. In May 2022, the World Bank announced a $30 billion plan to address the world hunger crisis.
According to World Vision, nearly 45 million people in 37 countries are at risk of starvation. Due to inadequate nutrition, 22 million children are suffering from wasting—a severe weight loss condition that can lead to death if untreated.
Why do we wait for someone else to solve world hunger when Muslims alone, through their zakat, have the potential to eradicate it? Yet, we still hear heartbreaking news, such as an Afghan father selling his kidney to feed his kids or a child dying from extreme hunger. The critical question is: How much of our zakat fund is effectively delivered? We won’t know the answer or see any differences until we start exercising our right to ask questions, verify, and hold those who manage our Zakat funds accountable for the trust we place in them.
The use of Zakat-verified badge
The "zakat verified" badge carries significant weight. Verification is a rigorous process that confirms the truth or validity of a claim. Therefore, verification should not rely on assumptions that something has been done but instead, it is a thorough process confirming the truth and validity of the claim.
Criteria for Using the "Zakat Verified" Badge
The project meets zakat-eligible criteria.
The timeline for distributing zakat funds is communicated to donors.
Donors receive regular updates, including detailed reports on the total zakat amount collected and delivered, distribution locations, number of recipients, and the distribution timeline before the new zakat collection year.
Responsibilities of Crowdfunding Platforms
When using the "zakat verified" badge, crowdfunding platforms must work closely with charities from start to finish, monitor their process, verify the update, and communicate the updates to donors. If these steps are not followed, the badge should not be used.
Questions Donors Should Ask Charities and Crowdfunding Platforms.
What process is followed to ensure the project is zakat verified?
How is the cause and project deliverance verified?
How are updates provided to donors?
For past donations, that are over a year,ask for updates.
Message to Donors
Asking questions and exercising your rights is important. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of how your zakat is managed and delivered, ensuring that it reaches those in need and makes a meaningful difference. If you're not provided with satisfactory updates, consider finding a different charity or crowdfunding platform that can truly earn your trust.
Message to Charities and Crowdfunding Platforms
The "zakat verified" badge should not be taken lightly. Use it only if you are confident in your ability to follow the necessary actions and processes and provide updates to donors. Zakat or any form of donation for the sake of Allah belongs to Allah, and one should not take lightly their responsibility in managing this trust.
Message to Influencers
If little is known about an organization's work, don't promote it. Every donation made based on your recommendations holds you accountable, so ask questions and only support those in which you are confident.
Something to Reflect On
"For those who give in Charity, men, and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward" (Al-Quran 57:18).
"If you lend to Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. For Allah is Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing" (Al-Quran 64:17).
A beautiful loan should be given not only with the right intention but also with the right knowledge, ensuring it goes to the right place, is managed by the right people, and is delivered rightfully to those it was meant for. Let’s stop the culture of blind trust and equip ourselves with knowledge and responsibility to ensure our Zakat funds and donations are used properly. Start questioning, start verifying, and ensure your zakat is making the difference it is meant to make.
Till then Salam and JazakAllah,
Rahimah Kashim
Practicing Leader