Islam is the world’s second-largest religion with a significant population living in the United States. As a religious obligation, the community pays millions of dollars as Zakat during Ramadan. It can be challenging for US residents to find individuals and families who are eligible for Zakat and to identify the most deserving causes. This guide has a list of charitable organizations that can help you with making donations this Ramadan.
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Donations during Ramadan
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims observe fasts, pray, and make donations to please Allah (SWT). Islam encourages charitable donations. Zakat is mandatory in Islam and most people pay it during Ramadan.
Methods to Donate
Charitable donations can be given either directly to deserving individuals and families or via charitable organizations that distribute them on your behalf.
Direct Donations
When you are paying Zakat directly to individuals and families, you have to make sure they are eligible for Zakat. You can also donate to relatives or friends that are undergoing financial difficulties.
Donating to Charitable Organizations
To make the process of identifying Zakat eligible individuals and families easier, many charitable organizations tag or list them separately. Charitable organizations that can accept Zakat also have to meet certain requirements.
Benefits of Donating To Charitable Organizations
There are many reasons for donating to charitable organizations, including:
Tax Exemption
US residents can get tax exemptions if they make donations to registered charitable organizations. You should make sure it is a 501(C)(3) organization.
Support big causes
When you make a direct donation, it helps a single individual or a family. However, donations to charitable organizations can support big causes and help large communities. For example, you can support Transparent Hands’ free medical camps to bring quality health care to the remote and underprivileged areas of Pakistan.
Distribution as per Islamic Principles
Voluntary donations can be made to any individual or family, but when it comes to mandatory donations like Zakat, you need to make sure they are eligible. Charitable organizations like Transparent Hands distribute Zakat according to Islamic principles.
Top Islamic Charities in the US
Transparent Hands
Transparent Hands is a Pakistan-based online giving, but it is also registered in the US and UK. We provide free surgical and medical care to the underprivileged in Pakistan. Thousands of patients struggling with fatal conditions cannot get the treatments they need due to financial constraints. Transparent Hands helps such deserving patients with your support.
The organization has helped over 42,000 patients since 2014. Besides this, we also hold free medical camps to provide consultations, medicines, diagnostic tests, and awareness sessions in remote areas of Pakistan. Transparent Hands is one of the few organizations that give free cochlear implants to children with congenital hearing disorders. Many Zakat eligible patients need your support this year.
Islamic Relief USA
IRUSA operates in 14 countries and helps deserving families that need education, clean water, and health care. The organization runs 20 projects related to education, and through them, 21,000+ students have been enrolled worldwide.
They also offer microfinance services including interest-free loans that can be used to set up small businesses.
Zakat Foundation of America
Zakat Foundation of America is a Muslim-run charity that channels Zakat donations to make an impact all around the world. The organization provides drinkable water in war-torn countries, scholarships to deserving students, and relief in emergencies.
Bottom Line
Muslims living in the US can pay Zakat easily through charitable organizations like Transparent Hands. Your donations can make a huge impact in developing countries. Donate today.
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