His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa

In this video, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and President of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, reaffirms that UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund is Shariah-compliant, ensuring that contributions directly support those most in need. His Excellency highlghts that refugees fall under the Zakat categories of the poor, the needy, and the stranded traveler – making them fully eligible to receive this support. However, UNHCR relies on collective support to sustain its vital humanitarian efforts, ensuring that refugees receive the assistance they need in the spirit of human solidarity.

The Muslim World League (MWL) partnered with UNHCR through multi-year agreements, contributing $1 million (2020–2021) to support youth and child protection projects in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. In 2021, the organization issued a fatwa endorsing the Refugee Zakat Fund as a legitimate mechanism for Zakat collection and distribution by UNHCR.

In 2023, MWL renewed its commitment with a $5 million, five-year pledge to enhance refugees’ livelihoods, inclusion, and food security worldwide.