Refugee Zakat Fund helps over 2m displaced persons

Refugee Zakat Fund helps over 2m displaced persons

Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Under the title 'Islamic Philanthropy - Transforming the Lives of the World's Displaced', UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, launched its Annual Islamic Philanthropy Report today, highlighting the impact of Zakat, Sadaqah, and Sadaqah Jariyah donations received through its Refugee Zakat Fund.

In 2020, UNHCR supported 2.1 million vulnerable refugees and internally displaced people through Zakat and Sadaqah funds, thanks to institutional partners and philanthropists across the region and globally. In comparison to 2019, Zakat donations witnessed in 2020 an increase of 12.5%, triggering a significant growth in Zakat beneficiaries at 59%.

Contributions received helped UNHCR in providing lifesaving support through the distribution of cash assistance and goods, allowing refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) to address immediate needs including shelter, food, education, healthcare, and debt repayment. Furthermore, the support provided helped refugees and IDPs to effectively address economic hardships that were further exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the impact of Islamic philanthropy on marginalised communities, Prof. Dr. Koutoub Moustafa Sano, Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy stated: "It is heart-warming to see that UNHCR, in its humanitarian response efforts, has succeeded to rely on the foundations of Islamic economics,