Bank Details Bank: Cashplus. Acc Name: Global Aid Trust Limited. Sort Code: 08-71-99. Acc Number: 06735003.

Zakat

Learn what Zakat is, who it is for, and which Global Aid Trust projects may be supported through Zakat.

Donate TO OUR ZAKAT FUND

When you are ready to donate, use our Zakat Fund form and choose from the available Zakat-eligible options. This keeps the process simple and helps you donate with greater clarity.

Those supported through Zakat:

The Poor (Faqir)
The Needy (Miskin)
Zakat Administrators (Amil)
New Muslims & Friends
Freeing Captives/Slaves (Riqab)
Those in Debt (Gharmin)
In the Path of Allah (Fisabilillah)
Stranded Travelers (Ibnus Sabil)

— The Clear Quran

WHO CAN RECEIVE ZAKAT?

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation upon eligible Muslims. It is not simply general charity. It must be given correctly to those who are entitled to receive it.

In the Qur’an, Allah specifies categories of people who may receive Zakat. In practical charity work, this most commonly includes the poor, the needy, those in debt, and people in genuine hardship. This is why Zakat cannot be treated as a general donation for every cause. It must be allocated carefully and given in a valid way.

This page is designed to help you understand who may receive Zakat and which Global Aid Trust projects are generally suitable for Zakat funding.

ZAKAT ELIGIBILITY BY PROJECT

Below is a simple guide showing which Global Aid Trust projects are generally suitable for Zakat.

ZAKAT ELIGIBLE

These items are eligible because they provide direct, essential relief to individuals who are poor or needy.

Children Sponsorship

Eligible where funds go toward the child’s direct needs, such as food, clothing, and education.

Gift of Sight

Eligible where Zakat is used to fund medical treatment for a specific person who cannot afford it.

Emergency Response

Eligible where food, medicine, hygiene items, and urgent essentials are provided to people in genuine hardship.

Help Fast

Eligible where essential support is given directly to poor or needy individuals and families.

Winter Clothes

Eligible where essential clothing is distributed directly to those who qualify for Zakat.

ZAKAT ELIGIBLE IN CERTAIN CASES

These usually fall under Sadaqah Jariyah or general charity, but may be Zakat eligible under specific conditions.

Clean Water

May be Zakat eligible in some cases, especially where the system is built specifically to serve a community in genuine hardship with no reliable access to water.

House Building

May be Zakat eligible where the home is built for a specific poor family and ownership or control is transferred to them directly.

NOT ZAKAT ELIGIBLE

These are generally excluded because they involve public infrastructure, non-essential gifting, or separate religious obligations.

Masjid Building

Not Zakat eligible according to the majority view, as mosque construction is public infrastructure rather than direct transfer to an eligible individual.

Qurbani

Not Zakat eligible, as Qurbani is a separate act of worship and should not be fulfilled using Zakat funds.

Eid Gift

Generally treated as non-Zakat, especially where the gift is non-essential. It is safer to fund this through general charity.

Important note: Some applications of Zakat can differ between scholars and schools of thought. More complex cases should be reviewed with appropriate scholarly guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is every project on your website Zakat eligible?

No. Only certain projects or cases may be supported through Zakat. Other causes should be funded through non-Zakat giving.

2. Can I choose where my Zakat goes?

Yes. The Zakat Fund form can allow you to choose from the available Zakat-eligible options.

3. Is Masjid Building Zakat eligible?

Masjid Building must not be treated as Zakat eligible and must be funded through other forms of charity.

4. Why are some projects listed as case by case?

Because eligibility may depend on how support is delivered and whether the recipient qualifies under Zakat rules.

5. What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?

Zakat is an obligation with specific rules, while Sadaqah is voluntary charity that may be given more broadly.

6. Can Zakat be used for education?

In some cases, yes. This depends on recipient eligibility and how the support is structured.

7. Can Zakat be used for medical treatment?

Yes, where the recipient qualifies and the support is directed appropriately.

8. What if I am unsure whether Zakat applies to my situation?

If your case involves more detailed issues such as investments, pensions, debts, or business assets, it is best to seek qualified advice.

Global Aid Trust is an education based charity helping orphans, sponsoring their cost of living and education.
Registered Charity No 1123560. Est. 2008.
Company number 06461062. Raised over £4M.