Australia for UNHCR's Islamic Philanthropy program works with a range of supporters and partners to assist vulnerable refugees and displaced people. You can dedicate your Zakat, Sadaqah and other forms of donations to support refugees through our program.
All Zakat funds received are strictly dedicated to compliant cash assistance programs.
Your Sadaqah is an act of solidarity with community that is in need of our collective support.
Share the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan with people who have been forced to flee their homes.
Credible. Sharia Compliant. Effective.
UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund is a trusted, Sharia compliant and effective distributor maximising the power of Zakat to transform the lives of refugees, including in hard-to-reach areas.
UNHCR ensures 100% of Zakat funds are distributed to those most in need by covering overhead costs from non-Zakat sources. This ensures Zakat contributions are given to the most vulnerable, eligible recipients in critical need.
UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund supports vulnerable families by providing them with cash assistance, empowering them to gain financial independence and meet their essential needs. The fund follows rigorous governance tools and is monitored to ensure transparency at every stage. This governance approach entails the following pillars:
Sadaqah, or voluntary charity, supports the well-being of those in need and ensures a better life for refugees and displaced people, providing them with healthcare and education services, as well as livelihood opportunities.
Sadaqah Jariyah is an act of continuous charity; one that will benefit both the person who gives aid to those in need and the one who receives help, even beyond their lifetimes. Some of the projects that fall under Sadaqah Jariyah include the provision of shelter kits, rehabilitation of schools or installation of wells, which all have a sustainable impact on the lives of refugees and displaced people. They provide continued critical assistance to those in need. Sadaqah Jariyah can also be given on behalf of loved ones that have passed away.
Read UNHCR's Islamic Philanthropy Annual Reports on the impact of the Refugee Zakat Fund. In 2022, the fund supported over 1.2 million beneficiaries among displaced populations.
Raja Yassine is a passionate advocate and supporter of young refugees from minority communities. Starting her career in teaching, Raja now works as a Scholarship Coordinator at Newington College, Sydney, where she assists young refugees with gaining access to education. Raja joined Australia for UNHCR as an Islamic Philanthropy Ambassador in 2023.
Peter Gould is a leading creative designer. His studio team uses design, research and a deep understanding of Muslim audiences to help purpose-driven organisations create brands and experiences for a more inclusive and representative world – and he credits his personal spiritual journey as a major influence. Peter led a unique digital art fundraising campaign for Australia for UNHCR in 2023, raising funds to support the UN Refugee Agency’s work in Türkiye and Syria following a series of major earthquakes.
Read more: Online community raises $23,000 for Türkiye and Syria
Australia for UNHCR's Islamic Philanthropy program works with a range of supporters and partners to assist vulnerable refugees and displaced people. You can dedicate your Zakat, Sadaqah and other forms of donations to support refugees through our program.
Your gifts can provide cash assistance, shelter, emergency supplies such as blankets and hygiene kits, and protection services for people escaping conflict, disaster and persecution.
If you would like to know more about our Islamic Philanthropy program, or would like to make a donation, please do not hesitate to contact me today.
Australia for UNHCR and Islamic Relief Australia are working as partners in their respective areas of expertise and networks of generous Australian donors, corporates and civil society to raise much-needed funds for UNHCR’s emergency assistance and humanitarian relief programs.
Joint projects and initiatives that acknowledge Islamic charitable giving practices will be identified and developed to raise awareness about the situation and needs of refugees worldwide and connect the Islamic and wider Australian community in support of the 100 million people displaced globally.
Zakat is the Arabic term for a donation required by all Muslims as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Zakat is often given from specific sources of wealth including different forms of funds, livestock, savings, trade goods, crops, and minerals, and given to special categories of recipients.
Sadaqah, or voluntary charity, supports the well-being of those in need and ensures a better life for refugees and displaced people, providing them with healthcare and education services, as well as livelihood opportunities.
Sadaqah Jariyah is an act of continuous charity; one that will benefit both the person who gives aid to those in need and the one who receives help, even beyond their lifetimes. Some the projects that fall under Sadaqah Jariyah include the provision of shelter kits, rehabilitation of schools or installation of wells, which all have a sustainable impact on the lives of refugees and displaced people. They provide continued critical assistance to those in need. Sadaqah Jariyah can also be given on behalf of loved ones that have passed away.
Sixty percent of refugees and internally displaced people are from predominantly Muslim regions, and the humanitarian needs in these areas are increasing.
UNHCR's Zakat Fund is a trusted agent to facilitate providing resources to the most vulnerable families, as it is Zakat compliant and backed by fatwas from leading scholars and institutions.
With the need for support greater than ever, UNHCR ensures 100% of Zakat contributions are delivered directly to eligible refugees and displaced families.
Your dedicated Zakat will provide essential support to eligible refugees and forcibly displaced families in dire need.
UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund will distribute 100% of the Zakat you donate to countries in need: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Rohingya people, Syria and Yemen.
In 2017 and 2018, UNHCR directed the receipt of $14.4M Zakat funds to assist approximately 7,000 families in Jordan and Lebanon.
As a result of this, UNHCR launched the Refugee Zakat Fund in 2019. It is now a credible, Sharia compliant and a pioneering structure of Zakat funds which is transforming the lives of refugees.
The Refugee Zakat Fund follows a 100% Zakat policy, meaning there will be no overhead or operational costs associated with donations to the Fund.
The Fund enables UNHCR to provide cash assistance to refugees, which reduces overhead costs, ensures 100% accountability and immediate assistance.
Other overhead costs, such as bank transfer fees, will be covered from other sources of funding to UNHCR and not be used by the Refugee Zakat Fund.
Yes, UNHCR reports twice a year on the impact of Zakat and Sadaqah collections through the Refugee Zakat Fund.
You can read UNHCR's Islamic Philanthropy reports online.
The Holy Month of Ramadan is one of the most sacred and blessed times for Muslims around the world. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, where Muslims observe “siyam” or fasting (one of the Five Pillars of Islam), prayer, gratitude to Allah (SWT) and giving.
Every year during the Holy month of Ramadan, UNHCR asks for support and generosity to help refugees and internally displaced people in need.
By contributing to the Refugee Zakat Fund and UNHCR Sadaqah programs, you can provide cash assistance, core relief items, life-saving health care and emergency shelter assistance to millions of brothers and sisters who need it. This Ramadan, whether through Sadaqah or Zakat, we encourage you to share the blessings of the Holy month.
A major gift can help UNHCR protect vulnerable people fleeing conflict or disaster
Join our emergency response team and maximise your impact as a regular giver
Leaving a gift in your Will can help UNHCR provide lifesaving aid beyond your lifetime