Executive Summary

Islamic philanthropy has become a key element in the response to this displacement crises and provides an essential lifeline to millions of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and hosting populations around the world.  

In the first half of 2024, partners and donors have generously contributed to the Refugee Zakat Fund, enabling UNHCR to support more than 500,000 refugees, IDPs and host communities in 22 countries. Significant donations from partners such as Eid Charity, Sheikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society, Islamic Relief USA, the International Islamic Charity Organization and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation, as well as donations via the Refugee Zakat Fund mobile app and through UNHCR’s Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah campaigns, have all been instrumental to this success.  

Since the piloting of the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2017, Zakat and Sadaqah supported more than 8.6 million people in 29 countries. 

During the first half of 2024, the Refugee Zakat Fund received more than USD 8.3 million in Zakat contributions, which was distributed to eligible beneficiaries as per the 100% Zakat distribution policy, aligning with 17 fatwas and endorsements received by UNHCR. Zakat funds have been assisting more than 270 thousand eligible refugees and IDPs across 21 countries, including Jordan, Bangladesh, Yemen, Chad, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, and Kenya.  

Since the piloting of the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2017, Zakat contributions have assisted more than 5.5 million refugees and IDPs in 26 countries. 

Sadaqah contributions, similarly, reached USD 2.8 million during the first half of 2024, which aided more than 260 thousand beneficiaries in 6 countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Libya, Jordan, and Pakistan.  

Since the piloting of the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2017, Sadaqah contributions have assisted 3 million refugees and IDPs in 23 countries.  

In March 2024, UNHCR launched its 6th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report in partnership with the Zakat House of Kuwait, highlighting the impact of the Refugee Zakat Fund and emphasizing Islamic philanthropy’s role in addressing displacement crises.  

In April 2024, a delegation of UNHCR partners and donors from the MENA region visited Chad to observe the impact of their contributions and raise awareness of the urgent needs in refugee camps and settlements. 

In 2024, UNHCR’s global Ramadan campaign raised essential funds to support 208,332 refugee and internally displaced persons from Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Myanmar, thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. 

UNHCR’s Dhul Hijjah & Adha campaign provided essential aid to 2,713 displaced families in Sudan and Yemen, two of the most critical humanitarian crises. These families, having lost everything, were able to enjoy a warm Eid meal and celebrate Eid with their children once again. 

The influx of Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees has strained water and sanitation facilities in Chad’s eastern regions. UNHCR’s Sadaqah Jariah campaign seeks to build and maintain boreholes, aiming to support nearly 10,000 people with improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and fostering sustainable community development. 

In 2024, UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy efforts were bolstered by high-profile supporters like Maher Zain and Mostafa Atef, who advocated for refugee rights and raised awareness through field visits to Jordan and Egypt. These initiatives, along with fundraising campaigns such as the Refugee Zakat Fund and Global Ramadan Campaign, helped support over 3,100 refugee families. Their efforts contributed to addressing the needs of displaced families from Syria and Sudan, showcasing the collective impact of Islamic philanthropy. 

The global displacement crisis is escalating, with millions fleeing conflict, persecution, and disasters. UNHCR is addressing this by integrating modern technology and Islamic philanthropy to enhance aid delivery, notably through the Refugee Zakat Fund App, which facilitates Zakat donations and ensures transparency. UNHCR showcased these innovations at the Islamic Fintech Forum in May 2024, demonstrating how technology and Islamic philanthropy can effectively address global humanitarian needs.  

In the first half of 2024, UNHCR’s Islamic philanthropy initiatives have made significant progress in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across 22 countries. Through generous contributions to the Refugee Zakat Fund, nearly half a million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) received crucial assistance, contributing to most SDGs, particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4) and – through the Sadaqah Jariah initiative – Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6).