Give With Purpose
Trusted charities for zakāh, ṣadaqah, and ongoing reward
Wealth That Multiplies
Charity in Islam is not a transaction. It is an act of worship. Every dollar given for Allah's sake is multiplied, protected, and counted for the Day of Judgement. This page is a curated list of trusted organizations, organized by cause, so you can give confidently and with intention.
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes, in each spike a hundred grains. Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
Sahih Muslim 2588
“When a person dies, their deeds end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.”
Sahih Muslim 1631
Three Types of Giving in Islam
Understanding the difference helps you give with clarity.
Zakāh
الزكاة
The third pillar of Islam. 2.5% of your wealth given each year if it reaches the niṣāb (minimum threshold) and has been held for a lunar year. Zakāh has specific recipients named in the Qur'an (9:60). It is not optional.
When
Once per lunar year on qualifying wealth
Ṣadaqah
الصدقة
Voluntary charity, given any time, in any amount, to anyone in need. A smile, a kind word, and removing harm from the road are also considered ṣadaqah. Small consistent giving is beloved to Allah.
When
Any time, in any amount
Ṣadaqah Jāriyah
الصدقة الجارية
Continuing charity whose reward reaches you after death: digging a well, planting a tree, building a masjid, sponsoring a student of knowledge, or printing a Qur'an. One of only three deeds that keep earning reward after you pass.
When
Once, with rewards that continue
The Eight Recipients of Zakāh
Named directly in the Qur'an (Sūrah At-Tawbah 9:60). Only these eight groups are eligible to receive your zakāh.
One seed. Seven spikes.
A hundred grains each.
Allah described your giving in the Qur'an as a seed that grows into 700 grains, and beyond that to whatever He wills. No investment on earth matches this rate of return. Give boldly.
Emergency & Humanitarian Relief
For crises, disasters, and the Muslims most in need globally
Islamic Relief USA
US-based · Global reach
One of the largest US-based Islamic humanitarian organizations. Emergency relief, food aid, healthcare, and zakat programs in over 40 countries.
Islamic Relief Worldwide
UK-based · Global reach
Faith-based humanitarian organization founded in 1984, working in over 45 countries. Provides aid to more than 10 million people annually.
Muslim Aid
UK-based · Global reach
A UK-based humanitarian charity operating for 35+ years. Emergency response, livelihoods, water, and orphan support across dozens of countries.
Human Appeal
UK-based · Global reach
A faith-based charity focused on emergency aid and long-term development. Known for rapid response during crises and transparent reporting.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development
US-based · Global reach
US-based Muslim relief and development organization. Emergency relief, orphan sponsorship, education, and health programs worldwide.
Clean Water Projects
Building wells and water systems. Among the best examples of ṣadaqah jāriyah.
Paani Project
US-based · Pakistan & Jordan
Volunteer-run nonprofit building wells in Pakistan and Jordan. Funds tube wells, deep water wells, and solar-powered water centers benefiting thousands.
Islamic Relief WASH
Global
Islamic Relief's dedicated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs. Builds wells and improves water access across Africa and the Middle East.
Hidaya Foundation Water Wells
US-based · South Asia & Africa
Hand pumps, deep water wells, and large community wells. Detailed reporting on where each well is built and who benefits.
Orphan Sponsorship
The Prophet ﷺ said he and the caretaker of an orphan will be in Paradise like this (joining two fingers).
Penny Appeal USA - Orphan Kind
US-based · Global reach
Monthly orphan sponsorship program. Covers food, shelter, healthcare, and education for an orphan child.
RAHMA Worldwide Orphans
US-based · Global
Sponsored 5,000+ orphans in 2023 alone. Provides comprehensive care including education, medical support, and stable environments.
Islamic Relief Orphan Sponsorship
Global
Monthly sponsorship covering essentials for an orphaned child through Islamic Relief's established global network.
Palestine & Gaza
Relief for ongoing crises in Palestine.
Islamic Relief Gaza Appeal
Global
Emergency food, medical supplies, and shelter for families affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
HHRD Palestine
US-based · Palestine
Helping Hand's Palestine programs. Emergency relief, orphan care, and medical aid.
LaunchGood Gaza Campaigns
Global · US-based platform
Crowdfunding platform with hundreds of verified Palestine relief campaigns. Pick specific causes and watch updates directly from organizers.
Islamic Education & Dawah
Funding students of knowledge and spreading the deen.
Al Madrasatu Al Umariyyah (AMAU)
Global · Online
Free online Islamic academy offering courses in Arabic, Qur'an, and the Islamic sciences. Student sponsorship supports those unable to pay.
Keys to Knowledge
Global
Support students of Islamic knowledge studying in Makkah, Madinah, and Riyadh. Covers expenses, learning materials, and scholarships.
LaunchGood Masjid Projects
Global · US-based platform
Crowdfunding campaigns for building and maintaining masājid around the world. Build a masjid, continuous reward.
Domestic (United States)
Supporting Muslims and neighbors here at home. Also donate to your local masjid.
ICNA Relief USA
United States
Domestic US Muslim relief. Food pantries, women's shelters, refugee services, and disaster relief across the United States.
Zakat Foundation of America
United States · Global
One of the earliest zakat-dedicated Muslim charities in the US. Programs for food, orphans, refugees, and education domestically and abroad.
Crowdfunding & Specific Causes
Platforms that let you pick the exact cause, project, or family to support.
LaunchGood
Global · US-based platform
The largest Muslim crowdfunding platform. Thousands of verified campaigns: emergency relief, masjid builds, students of knowledge, medical causes, and more.
Civil Rights & Advocacy
Not charity in the classical sense, but a form of supporting the community.
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
United States
The largest US Muslim civil liberties organization. Advocates for civil rights, religious freedom, and just treatment of Muslims in America.
How to Choose a Charity Wisely
A quick checklist before you give.
Check financial transparency
Look at their annual reports and the percentage that actually reaches the cause (not overhead). Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the organization's own audits help.
Confirm zakāh policies
Not every organization handles zakāh correctly. Well-established Muslim charities have explicit zakāh policies and trust arrangements that ensure your zakāh goes only to eligible recipients.
Prefer established over viral
Organizations operating for 10+ years with consistent reporting are generally safer than trending crowdfunding campaigns. Both have a place, but start with the established.
Give to what you understand
If you care deeply about orphans, water, or Qur'an education, give there. Intentional, focused giving builds a stronger spiritual connection than scattered donations.
Donate locally too
Your local masjid, food pantry, and students of knowledge in your community have real, immediate needs. They are often overlooked for flashier international causes.
Keep a record
Track your giving for both tax purposes and spiritual reflection. Islam encourages us to account for our wealth. A simple log per year is enough.
Do not forget your local masjid
International causes are important, but your local masjid, the place where you pray, where your children learn Qur'an, and where your community gathers, depends on ongoing support. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever builds a masjid for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise. Your monthly contribution to your own masjid is one of the most rewarding forms of ṣadaqah jāriyah.
A note on this list
These organizations were selected based on their long-standing reputation, financial transparency, and Islamic credentials. We encourage you to do your own research before donating. We are not responsible for how funds are used once donated, and inclusion here is not a guarantee or endorsement of every project each organization runs.
Common Questions
What is the niṣāb for zakāh?+
The niṣāb is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own before zakāh becomes obligatory. It is equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver (scholars differ on which to use; the silver standard is lower, so more people owe zakāh by that measure). Most modern calculators use current gold/silver prices. If your qualifying wealth has stayed above niṣāb for one lunar year, 2.5% is owed.
Who can receive zakāh?+
The Qur'an (9:60) names eight categories: the poor, the needy, zakāh collectors, those whose hearts are being reconciled, freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the traveler in need. Zakāh cannot be given to one's own parents, spouse, or children, or to non-Muslims in most cases (some exceptions apply).
Is sadaqah better than zakāh?+
Zakāh is obligatory; sadaqah is voluntary. You must pay zakāh if you owe it. Sadaqah on top of zakāh is encouraged, but it does not replace it. Think of zakāh as a duty and sadaqah as a gift.
Is it better to give a lot once or a little regularly?+
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are the most consistent of them, even if they are small.' (Bukhārī 6464). A small monthly donation that you maintain is often better than a large one-time gift followed by silence.
Can I donate to non-Muslims?+
Yes for voluntary ṣadaqah. Helping non-Muslim neighbors in need is a prophetic practice and a way to show the beauty of Islam. For zakāh specifically, scholars have detailed discussions; most hold that zakāh goes primarily to Muslims but some exceptions exist.
When is the best time to give?+
Right now. Beyond that, Ramadan multiplies rewards (the Prophet ﷺ was most generous in Ramadan), and the last ten nights especially. Friday is also a blessed day. But the best giving is consistent, all year long, not just in special seasons.