Executive Summary

In the first half of 2025, institutional partners and individual donors have generously contributed to the Refugee Zakat Fund, enabling UNHCR to support nearly 350,000 refugees, IDPs and host communities in 21 countries. Significant donations from partners such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (UAE), Islamic Relief USA and Eid Charity (Qatar), 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 has supported more than 9.2 million people in 33 countries.

During the first half of 2025, the Refugee Zakat Fund received more than USD 10.6 million in Zakat contributions, which was distributed to eligible beneficiaries as per the 100% Zakat distribution policy, aligning with the 18 fatwas and endorsements the Fund has received. UNHCR channeled the Zakat funds to more than 239 thousand eligible refugees and IDPs across 16 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Chad, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon and Sudan.

Since the piloting of the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2017, Zakat contributions have assisted more than 5.7 million refugees and IDPs in 27 countries.

UNHCR raised USD 12.6 million from Sadaqah contributions during the first half of 2025, which aided more than 109 thousand beneficiaries in 12 countries, including Bangladesh, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, India, Jordan and Pakistan.

Since the piloting of the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2017, Sadaqah contributions have assisted more than 3.1 million refugees and IDPs in 27 countries.

Omar Farooq, a leading Bahraini filmmaker and influencer with over 18 million followers, has supported UNHCR since 2017. In 2024, he visited South Sudan to spotlight the Sudan emergency, producing a powerful video series that reached over 9 million people. His efforts raised over $40,000 directly, generated $60,000 in indirect income, and inspired $120,000 in new donations. His Ramadan appeal added another $68,000. Omar’s authentic storytelling continues to amplify Islamic Philanthropy and refugee support.

Over 199,800 displaced individuals received support through Zakat and Sadaqah during Ramadan. A matching campaign raised $273,590 from 246 donors, doubled by $200,000 from four major donors – amplifying impact. Zakat al-Fitr reached 2,019 refugees before Eid, restoring dignity and hope during a month marked by spiritual reflection and solidarity.

Despite global funding cuts, Zakat and Sadaqah contributions supported 4,961 vulnerable families in Yemen, Sudan, and Syria. Cash assistance brought comfort and dignity to widows, children, and the elderly, honoring their resilience and enabling them to celebrate Eid with peace and hope in the face of ongoing crisis.

UNHCR partnered with influential voices to raise awareness and inspire giving during Ramadan. Nasheed singer Mostafa Atef, entrepreneur Nouran Tarek El Sayed, and race driver Mohamed Hamdy shared heartfelt messages urging Zakat donations through the Refugee Zakat Fund. Tech influencers Raghad Zamell and Eisa Alhabib showcased the app’s features, boosting trust and accessibility. These collaborations reached diverse audiences across the region, spreading messages of faith, generosity, and solidarity. Their efforts played a vital role in mobilizing support and ensuring more refugee families received the help they need.

To meet rising global displacement needs, UNHCR launched the Refugee Zakat Fund App: an easy, secure, and Sharia-compliant platform for Zakat giving. From January to June 2025, top donation destinations included Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan, with high Ramadan engagement. The app enables users to calculate Zakat, donate, and track impact. Endorsed by tech influencers, it has enhanced transparency, accessibility, and trust in Islamic giving, delivering life-saving aid to displaced families across multiple countries.