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Alleviating suffering through Islamic Philanthropy

Maher Zain

UNHCR high profile supporter 

Dear Reader,

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.  

I am pleased to introduce you to UNHCR’s 2024 Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report. During 2024, and in my capacity as a High-Profile Supporter for the organization, I joined UNHCR on an important mission to visit Sudanese refugees in Egypt, raise awareness about the Sudan humanitarian emergency and advocate for more humanitarian support through the Refugee Zakat Fund.  

What I witnessed firsthand was a profound testament to the resilience of refugees, who despite facing unimaginable hardships, continue to show remarkable strength. Through my visit, I also saw the transformative impact of community solidarity and how the generosity of individuals, channeled through Zakat and Sadaqah, has provided hope and relief to those facing the harsh reality of displacement. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of community, and how, when we unite for a common cause, we can make an extraordinary difference.  

The report you are about to read showcases the power and great potential of Islamic philanthropy in addressing and revolutionizing humanitarian work. Through the collective contributions of donors, the Refugee Zakat Fund is playing an important role in providing immediate relief and helping rebuild stronger, and more resilient communities in the long-term.  

It is our shared responsibility to work together to ensure that displaced families are empowered and receive the support they need to not only survive but thrive too. I’m grateful to be part of this journey and witness how kindness can truly bring about change. As the legend Muhammad Ali reminds us all: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”  

Thank you.  

Maher Zain 

UNHCR high profile supporter   

Dr. Khaled Khalifa

Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner
Representative to the GCC Countries

Dear Reader,

UNHCR is delighted to announce the launch of its 7th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report, highlighting the impact of your generous Zakat and Sadaqah contributions through the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2024.

Islamic philanthropy has proven to be an instrumental tool in the response to humanitarian crises. We speak from experience and confidence, having witnessed first-hand for almost 10 years the tremendous results achieved by our Refugee Zakat Fund.  Since its pilot in 2017, the Fund supported more than 8.9 eligible beneficiaries in 31 countries.

We are deeply humbled and honored by the growing trust and confidence in the Shariah compliance of our Refugee Zakat Fund. Compliance is not just a slogan for us; it’s an integral part of our mission. Our journey in Islamic philanthropy is built on years of experience, expertise, and the endorsement of scholars and Islamic institutions worldwide. We take this responsibility very seriously and deeply value the trust you place in us. Ensuring that your Zakat is spent in the proper way is our highest priority. From visiting every single beneficiary family to confirm eligibility, to carefully planning Shariah-compliant activities and conducting post-distribution visits, our commitment to compliance translates into a strong governance and infrastructure. Besides our internal Islamic philanthropy unit, external partners conduct annual reviews to verify our compliance with Sharia standards. The International Islamic Fiqh Academy also now serves as our Zakat Board.

In 2024, the refugee crisis worsened, with the number of displaced people rising to 122.6 million and projected to reach 139.3 million displaced and stateless people globally by 2025. UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy continues to provide critical aid, yet the need for greater support remains urgent.

Islamic philanthropy holds immense potential. If used efficiently, including through strategic partnerships, this generosity can be a game changer for millions of people around the world, including forcibly displaced people. This is what we are achieving with the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees, launched by UNHCR and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, which will start funding programmes to support refugees and IDPs in 2025.

As the refugee crisis deepens, the need for life-saving assistance has never been more urgent. By tapping into the full potential of Islamic giving, we can ensure that more people receive the aid they desperately need, helping to transform lives and providing hope to those who have lost everything.

Together, we can meet their urgent needs and transform lives, easing suffering and building a brighter future for displaced families. May your generosity bring peace and blessings to those in need.

Thank you. 

Dr. Khaled Khalifa 

Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner

Representative to the GCC Countries

 

Executive Summary

Empowering lives through Zakat and Sadaqah

The year 2024 has seen a surge in global turmoil, with new conflicts, deepening crises, and escalating climate-related disasters. Over 122 million people were displaced due to conflict and persecution, with numbers likely rising amid ongoing violence with millions in prolonged exile, unable to return home or rebuild their lives. In response, UNHCR has been providing critical support globally, offering shelter, food, water, medicine, and essential services, while seeking sustainable solutions to help refugees contribute to their new communities and regain their dignity.

Since 2017, UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy programme has become a key element in the response to this displacement crises. With the support of 42,005 donors, UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund has been supporting more than 8.9 million beneficiaries among the most vulnerable forcibly displaced populations in 31 countries through Zakat and Sadaqah.   

This 7th UNHCR’s Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report shines a powerful light on the impact of the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2024.   

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Partners

Islamic Philanthropy Across the Globe

Endorsements

Endorsements

The impact

Impact of the Refugee Zakat Fund

Zakat/Sadaqah distribution countries in 2024

UNITING TO SAVE AND BETTER LIVES

Partnerships in Focus

UNHCR is proudly partnering with several organisations, all of which are committed to providing safety and access to opportunity for refugees around the world.

Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum Global Initiatives

MBRGI’s contributions of USD 28 million have reached more than 700,000 refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and host communities with assistance ranging from food security, sustainable livelihoods, emergency response, healthcare, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

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Muslim World League

Believing in UNHCR’s mission, MWL renewed its commitment for five years with a USD 5 million commitment and pledged funds during the Global Refugee Forum.

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Qatar Charity

Since 2012, Qatar Charity has been a strategic partner of UNHCR, contributing over USD 60.2 million to support more than 2.1 million beneficiaries, with a significant partnership in Islamic Philanthropy.

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Rahima Foundation

Founded in 1993, Rahima International Foundation has expanded to a global humanitarian partner, providing financial aid and promoting health and well-being for displaced communities, supporting over 24,000 refugees in Jordan in 2023.

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STORIES

Hear the experiences of refugees around the world

Hassan and Mariam

elderly Syrian refugee grandparents in Jordan.

They face unimaginable hardship, struggling to survive winter with minimal support, but thanks to UNHCR’s Zakat fund and generous donors, they receive vital assistance to stay warm, fed, and protected.

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Saddam

a Rohingya refugee father in Bangladesh.

Despite the immense challenges, he finds hope in the spirit of community, saying, “Our Ramadan table is about extending a seat to those who need it most.” UNHCR’s efforts to support families like Saddam’s have made a profound difference. Through Zakat contributions, thousands of Rohingya families received essential aid during Ramadan.

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Thuraya

a Sudanese refugee mother of four in Chad.

Thuraya’s story reflects a broader issue faced by many refugees in Chad, where resources are limited, and basic needs like water are often out of reach. UNHCR’s Sadaqah Jariyah programme is working to bridge this gap by providing sustainable water solutions, and delivering essential services such as healthcare.

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Saeedah

a displaced Yemeni mother.

The holy month, a time meant for reflection and community, has become another reminder of the family’s dire situation. Through UNHCR’s Global Ramadan Campaign and the generous support of Zakat donors, families like Saaedah’s are able to access essential necessities, including a hot meal for iftar during Ramadan.

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No Poverty

Zakat and Sadaqah Impact: In 2024, nearly USD 22 million in Zakat and Sadaqah funding supported more than 872,000 individuals in 25 countries. This vital support plays a key role in realizing SDG Goal 1: No Poverty, by providing refugees in countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Mauritania, and Egypt with the means to avoid falling into extreme poverty. The Fund provides essential support to displaced communities, helping them avoid harmful coping strategies and meet their basic needs with dignity. Through these efforts, the Refugee Zakat Fund directly contributes to reducing poverty and fostering long-term economic resilience for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. 

Zero Hunger

Universal Access to Food: Provides refugees and IDPs with multi-purpose cash assistance through Zakat funds to address food insecurity and meet basic needs. 

Global Ramadan Campaign: Mobilizes donations to support food and water needs for refugees and displaced individuals in over 20 countries during Ramadan. in 2024, the campaign supported over 208,332 individuals in crisis zones such as Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, directly addressing hunger and improving food security. 

Good Health and Well Being

Universal Health Coverage: Facilitates refugees’ and host communities’ access to national healthcare systems and essential services. 

Zakat and Sadaqah Impact: Multi-purpose cash assistance supports refugees in covering essential medical treatments, doctor’s fees, and medication. 

Chad Emergency Response: Building and upgrading health centers, recruiting health workers, and supplying essential drugs to meet healthcare needs for refugees and host communities. 

Ramadan Sadaqah Donation: Construction of a healthcare clinic to serve 5,000 forcibly displaced people and host communities, focusing on women, per month in a population of 25,000 people, both refugees and host communities in Chad. 

 

Quality Education

Access to Education: Cash assistance helps refugee parents cover school fees, uniforms, transportation, and other educational costs. 

Material Kits Distribution: Zakat funds helped distribute 13,057 kits to Sudanese refugee children in Ethiopia, ensuring access to education. 

Sadaqah funding supported access to quality education for refugee children in Egypt and Bangladesh. 

Sadaqah funding provided vocational training in Pakistan, enhancing employability and educational opportunities for Afghan refugees and host communities, fostering economic empowerment. 

 

Gender Equality

Cash Assistance to Vulnerable Families: Zakat and Sadaqah funds in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Mauritania, and Afghanistan support extremely vulnerable households, many are female-led ones. 

Sadaqah funding funded Girls and Women empowerment programme in Afghanistan, supporting 1,740 beneficiaries. 

 

Clean Water and Sanitation

Improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): UNHCR’s Sadaqah Jariyah campaign contributed to the construction and maintenance of boreholes, providing clean water and sanitation to nearly 10,000 people in Chad’s eastern regions. 

Access to Clean Water for Refugees: In response to the influx of refugees, UNHCR optimizes water networks, ensuring access to 20 liters of clean water per person per day for 400,000 Rohingya refugees. 

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods: UNHCR uses Zakat funds to support income-generating activities, including distribution of business kits to help beneficiaries start their own businesses. 

Empowering Refugees in Pakistan: For Afghan refugees in Pakistan for example, Sadaqah funding helps overcome barriers to decent work by providing skills training and enabling access to sustainable livelihoods. 

 

Reduced Inequalities

Promoting Social and Economic Inclusion: UNHCR’s Zakat funds enable vulnerable displaced families in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India to access essential services like shelter, healthcare, and education, addressing inequalities caused by legal barriers. 

Reducing Inequality in Jordan: Through Sadaqah Jariyah and livelihood support programs, UNHCR empowers Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan by providing skills development, vocational training, and employment opportunities, promoting social and economic inclusion. 

 

Climate Action

Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change: UNHCR, through Islamic philanthropy initiatives, supports refugee households by repairing shelters, providing weather-resistant materials, and enhancing their ability to withstand harsh weather and fire risks. 

Shelter Rehabilitation: Through Zakat and Sadaqah, more than 23,600 forcibly displaced people received shelter support in Chad, Lebanon and Bangladesh. This includes the provisions of materials that are resilient to extreme weather, directly addressing climate vulnerabilities. 

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Ending Abuse and Exploitation of Children: Zakat funds help reduce vulnerable refugee families’ reliance on negative coping mechanisms such as child labor, trafficking, and child marriage, directly contributing to SDG 16’s target of ending violence and exploitation against children. 

Sadaqah funding for Unaccompanied and Separated Children in Egypt: Cash assistance provided by UNHCR enabled unaccompanied and separated refugee children to survive and access necessary care, protection, and social services. 

 

Partnerships for the Goals

Promoting Effective Partnerships To Provide Resources: UNHCR partners with 50 global entities, including charities, foundations, corporations, and public entities, to support Islamic philanthropy activities through the Refugee Zakat Fund, ensuring the effective delivery of aid to the most in need among refugees and IDPs. 

Partnering To Ensure Efficient Aid Delivery: Partnerships are crucial in delivering Zakat and Sadaqah funds, such as in Egypt where refugees can collect cash transfers from 4,000 branches of the Egypt Post Office, and in Jordan where iris scan-enabled ATMs, in partnership with Cairo-Amman Bank, provide direct, cost-effective support to vulnerable families. These innovative partnerships and technologies improve the efficiency and transparency of financial aid distribution, empowering refugees and ensuring the funds reach those in need without fraud. 

About us

UNHCR's Refugee Zakat Fund

Since its pilot in 2017, UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund has been a key partnership mechanism – effective, compliant, and trusted by institutions and individuals. Since its inception, over 8.9 million beneficiaries have been assisted, thanks to more than $263 million received through the Refugee Zakat Fund, more than 70% of which has been Zakat. 

UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund is subject to rigorous governance and oversight, ensuring transparency at every step, leading to the provision of assistance. 

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Initiatives

Key highlights

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Campaigns

UNHCR’s 2024 Global Ramadan Campaign raised critical funds to assist over 208,000 refugees, while its Dhul Hijjah & Adha Campaign supported 2,713 displaced families, and the Sadaqah Jariah Campaign improved water and sanitation access for nearly 10,000 beneficiaries in Chad.

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Events and Missions

In 2024, UNHCR made significant strides in supporting refugees and displaced communities through a series of impactful events and missions. Highlights include the launch of the 6th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report in Kuwait, which showcased the success of the Refugee Zakat Fund, and the high-level UN General Assembly event in New York, where strategic agreements raised millions to aid displaced people.

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UNHCR’s Zakat Advisory Board

 In 2024, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, an entity of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, agreed to serve as the Zakat Board for UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund.

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Engagement Activities

The Power of UNHCR’s Committed High-Profile Supporters in Islamic Philanthropy.

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You can also donate your Zakat or Sadaqah through “Refugee Zakat Fund” App.

Download “Refugee Zakat Fund” App now on your mobile to send your Zakat and Sadaqah donations to the most vulnerable refugee and internally displaced families.

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