List of Top 3 Zakat Accepting Organizations in USA
Zakat is the alms given to deserving group of people defined by Shariah. Giving zakat is mandatory for all eligible adult and sane Muslims. In this article, we will discuss zakat, it role in a progressive society, and its significance in the Islamic life. We will also mention a list of top 3 zakat accepting organizations in the USA.
Zakat is not a charitable gift that is distributed among the poor out of pity but it is an obligatory act which must be fulfilled at fixed proportion, according to the laws and regulations of Islam.
Zakat benefits the recipient in innumerable ways. The Zakat money provides them relief from financial strains, making their lives a little easier. It also benefits the donor. Giving money to the poor makes the donor feel better. It gladdens the heart of the donor as his contribution is powerful enough to touch the lives of the vulnerable people in a positive way. Most importantly, by giving zakat a believer affirms faith in Allah(S.W.T) and abides by His word.
Zakat is Your Religious Obligation
Requirements of Giving Zakat
When giving Zakat, the donor should keep in mind that the alms should be given with complete generosity and pleasure. The donor should not behave in an arrogant manner, that can hurt the dignity of the recipient or make him feel pitied.
We definitely have some responsibilities towards our family and relatives but as human beings, we are also responsible for the welfare of our society and mankind. This is our social responsibility that we cannot deny.
We must give Zakat because it is a religious act and at the same time it is also the right thing to do. Giving to the poor is a greater good which surely comes back to us in various forms. Just as the saying goes: “You will reap the harvest as you have sown.”
If a Muslim gives Zakat he will be blessed by Allah(S.W.T). Allah(S.W.T) will forgive his sins, and at the same time multiply his wealth in unimaginable ways without the person even realizing it. The rich person will be loved by the poor and at the same time will gain immense respect in the society.
Every eligible Muslim must consider their decisions of giving Zakat, because it is the only worship that can benefit both the rich and poor. The eligibility for giving zakat donation depends on the possession of wealth equal to or greater than the nisab value. This value is determined by either the gold or silver standard. Any Muslim having gold equal to or greater than 87.48 grams or 612.36 grams of silver must pay zakat, annually.
Here is a list of top 3 Zakat Accepting Organizations in USA where you can donate your Zakat money for the well-being of your community.
List of Top 3 Zakat Accepting Organizations in USA
1. Transparent Hands
2. Islamic Relief USA
3. Zakat Foundation of America
1. Transparent Hands:
Transparent Hands has provided medical and surgical relief to thousands of needy Pakistani patients since its inception in 2014. We understand the challenges that underprivileged patients face. According to an estimate, almost half of Pakistan lacks access to healthcare. That’s why Transparent Hands has been working tirelessly to provide relief to as many patients as possible. Our mother and child support has provided relief to thousands of deserving people, while we have also supported a number of surgeries, including Cardiac Surgery (including paediatric cardiac), Thoracic Surgery, ENT Surgery, General Surgery, Gynaecological Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Urological Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Eye Surgery, Oncologic Surgery (cancer-related), Obstetrical Surgery (e.g., C-sections), Plastic Surgery, and Cochlear Implant Surgeries.
We also organize medical camps in low-income and remote areas to reach out to patients. These camps are expertly managed by professional and compassionate doctors and paramedic staff. We provide free medical checkups, medicines, and diagnostics in these camps. All these activities are possible due to the continuous trust and support of our donors and supporters.
We are a Shariah-compliant organization and work under the guidance of a learned Islamic scholar. We accept Zakat, Sadaqah, and other donations, and you can donate to us with confidence that your contributions will help someone find a cure. Donate to Transparent Hands now.
Download our TransparentHands iPhone Application for Online Donation
2. Islamic Relief USA :
“Islamic Relief USA” accepts zakat donations and distributes them according to Islamic principles. They work with active mosques and community organizations around the country to identify people, who qualify for help and distribute the assistance. Recipients include low-income families, refugees and survivors of domestic violence. The zakat donations cover expenses such as rent assistance, emergency medical expenses, employment training, food vouchers, utilities and other emergency needs.
Sadaqah donations are also used to help support qualified programs. One of their programs, like the Winston-Salem State University Community Care Center in North Carolina, has used sadaqah to help provide patients with low socio-economic status gain access to physical and occupational therapy; and is supporting medical devices, equipment, supplies, shoe orthotics and more. The funds also helped support the salary of a part-time physical therapist. Another program with Islamic American Zakat Foundation, has been servicing needy families and individuals living below the poverty line with rental, utility, fuel, medical expense, shelter and clothing.
3. Zakat Foundation of America :
“Zakat Foundation of America” is unique among humanitarian organizations, in advancing zakat as a vehicle for social change. The third pillar of Islam, zakat is an obligatory claim on the wealth of the rich to empower the poor.
Their Vision :
They help generous and caring people reach out to those in need. Their goal is to address immediate needs and ensure the self-reliance of the poorest people around the world with zakat and sadaqa.
They believe that those whom God has granted wealth need to cleanse that wealth through charity, and those whom God has tried with loss, are accorded a rightful share from the resources of the rich.
Their Mission is to they foster charitable giving to alleviate the immediate needs of poor communities, and to establish long-term development projects that ensure individual and community growth.
We Accomplish This Mission By:
- Bringing immediate relief during and after disasters, building and supporting schools, orphanages and health clinics, supporting community development programs and micro-credit, providing Ramadan Iftars and food distribution, and providing fresh meat for Qurbani and Aqeeqah through the support of community-based initiatives.
- Serving as a trusted zakat and sadaqa resource center for our Muslim donors.
- Serving as a trusted charity option for all donors through financial transparency and strict standards of efficiency and accountability
- Minimizing expenses by maintaining a small administrative staff
- Maximizing donations by establishing strategic partnerships
Download our Transparenthands Andriod Application for Online Donation
Conclusion:
Islam has encouraged spreading and establishing peace within the society, and has told its followers to be measured in both their physical and verbal actions. Islam has also emphasized on practicing kind and compassionate act towards the poor and weak.
Every Muslim is commanded to look for positive ways, in which they can bring people closer to them and maintain a harmonious relationship as well. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The best of people is the one who is most beneficial to others. There is no goodness in one who neither befriends others nor is befriended by them.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Hadith 273 (graded Sahih by Al-Albani)
This clearly means we cannot overlook the pain and suffering of other people and remain absorbed in the delights of our own lives. The best way to care for the poor and needy is to share your bounties with them, and giving them their rights to live a good life without discrimination. This can only be done if the rich and wealthy people give Zakat annually.
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