Feed the Hungry: How your Zakat can provide essential meals to families
Around 828 million people globally go to bed hungry. That’s nearly 10% of the world’s population. But what if Allah سبحانه وتعالى has chosen you to feed the families striving against hunger? Imagine the joy of a child whose empty plate is filled because of your Zakat. This simple act of generosity feeds the hungry and brings hope to families in desperate need. What if your contribution could be the difference between hunger and sustenance for someone today?”
What Islam says about Zakat:
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is an obligatory act for every Muslim who is financially capable. Zakat is paid every year in the month of Ramadan. Those who possess wealth above this threshold for one lunar year are required to give 2.5% of their savings and assets as Zakat.
With Zakat we can help the needy people of the Society. The Zakat money can be used for different purposes like feeding the hungry, sheltering them, clothes, etc.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says in the Holy Quran about Zakat:
“Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them and pray for them – surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing”. (Al-Quran 9: 103)
How Zakat Donations Directly Help Feed Families
Your contribution can make a tangible difference. Here’s how Zakat donations for food work:
- Identification of Need: Regions most affected by poverty, natural disasters, or conflict are prioritised.
- Procurement and Distribution: Essential food items are purchased in bulk to maximise impact.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Transparent processes ensure your Zakat reaches those who need it most.
The Role of Zakat in Hunger Relief Programs:
Zakat used for hunger relief is one of the best uses of it. When you donate your Zakat money to such programs, you use your money to feed the people who are unable to feed themselves due to several reasons.
Feeding the hungry is also a highly rewarding act according to Islamic teachings.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick, and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom).” (Sahih Bukhari)
We, due to our daily hustle, can’t reach the hungry people of society. But we can donate our Zakat money to such funds that support those families that are suffering from hunger.
It is our religious and social responsibility to uplift the needy and deserving people of society. and help them through all means.
How to Provide Meals Through Zakat:
In Pakistan over 40% of the people are facing food scarcity. Millions of people are living below the poverty line. The number is constantly increasing with increasing inflation. In such crucial times, Ehsaas is working hard to provide food to the families who are starving. We use Zakat funds to provide ration packs to needy families.
How to Donate Zakat for Food Programs:
Donating Zakat for food programs is easy and impactful. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Choose a Trusted Organisation:
Select a reliable charity like Ehsaas that specialises in food programs and ensures your Zakat is used transparently.
- Donate Online:
We offer secure online platforms where you can allocate your Zakat specifically for food relief efforts.
- Sponsor Ration Packs:
Contribute towards rations that will directly benefit families in need.
- Spread Awareness:
Share the mission with your friends and family. Encourage them to donate and maximise the collective impact of Zakat.
By donating your Zakat to Ehsaas, you contribute to an initiative that feeds thousands daily. Each meal provided through Zakat not only nourishes the body but also uplifts the spirits of those in dire need. Your generosity can transform lives. Moreover, it provides hope and sustenance to countless families across Pakistan. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one meal at a time.
Advantages of Providing Meals through Zakat:
By donating your Zakat money, you not only use your money for social development, but it also uplifts your rank spiritually. Here’s how donating Zakat money to feed the hungry can benefit you:
Fulfilling Religious Responsibility:
Paying Zakat has been mentioned in the Holy Quran several times. Also, the Prophet ﷺ has also taught us to pay Zakat, as it purifies wealth.
Donating Zakat in hunger relief funds ensures that your Zakat is being utilised for a good cause. Moreover, it ensures that you have fulfilled your religious responsibility as well.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The example of the one who gives Zakat and the one who does not give it is like the example of two men wearing armour. The armour of the one who gives Zakat is tight and shields him, whereas the armour of the one who does not give Zakat is loose and does not protect him.” (Sahih Muslim)
Encourages the Gratitude:
Donating Zakat to a hunger relief program aids in having a sense of gratitude. The people who are starving and do not have access to food make us realise that Allah سبحانه وتعالى has blessed us with numerous blessings. We understand the importance of food and learn to share it with our brothers who can’t have a proper meal to eat.
Removal of Sins:
Zakat is one of the best ways to remove our sins. Ramadan is the month of blessings, and donating Zakat in the month of Ramadan to feed the hungry is the best way to please Allah سبحانه وتعالى and remove our sins.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Giving charity wipes away sins just as water extinguishes fire”. (Tirmidhi 614)
Strengthens Society:
Donating Zakat to hunger relief programs helps in developing unity and brotherhood. It shows our concern for our brothers and sisters who are facing the problem of food scarcity. Helping them through Zakat creates a society where everyone feels supported.
Highly Rewarding Act:
Donating Zakat to help the deserving people of society is a highly rewarding act. It not only brings you closer to Allah سبحانه وتعالى but it also brings you blessings in the world. Those who pay Zakat and help the families in need will be blessed in both worlds.
“Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan—it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:18)
Conclusions:
In today’s world, your Zakat matters more than ever. Inflation, economic conflicts, and the number of natural disasters are just increasing. Millions of people are suffering from hunger and food shortages.
With your Zakat, you can play your role in providing food to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are sleeping hungry. By giving Zakat, you not only fulfil a religious obligation but also multiply the blessings of your deeds. Your Zakat for hunger relief can save lives and bring comfort to those in distress.
Donate your Zakat to Ehsaas so that we can help the maximum number of people and help them in getting nutritious meals for themselves and their families.
