Asad Shaikh, TwoCircles.net
For millions, zakat is a lifeline — whether it is the hope of a new beginning, the opportunity to support a family or simply a path to rebuild a shattered life. It goes beyond monetary exchange, it is about compassion, solidarity and the collective power to heal communities.
Each year, Muslims across the globe donate 2.5 percent of their accumulated wealth to support those in need, from family members to the broader community.
Success stories
The life of Tarannum, a resident of North-East Delhi’s Chand Bagh locality, took an unexpected turn in 2024 when both she and her husband lost their jobs. Struggling to make ends meet, she turned to the Khair Foundation’s ‘Rozgar Project’, which helps people start small businesses with zakat funds.
With a small financial support, she opened a beauty parlour, a venture that has not only lifted her family out of financial hardship but also improved their living conditions.
Today, Tarannum stands as a beacon of hope for others, demonstrating how zakat can transform lives through the power of small, meaningful investments.
A resident of Loni in Uttar Pradesh, Mohammad Rafiq faced an uphill battle to support his family of four. After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his livelihood, he was unable to find stable work. But everything changed when he received a battery-operated rickshaw from Khair Foundation, funded by zakat. This modest gesture allowed him to restart his life, earning enough to support his children’s education and contribute to family expenses.
He not only regained his financial independence but also gained the confidence to look ahead with hope for a brighter future.
Mohammad Rashid, who lives in the city’s Nizamuddin area, was struggling to make ends meet. Unable to find stable employment, he reached out to the Khidmat-e-Awamm Youth Committee, which, with the support of zakat donations, helped him set up a momo stall. This small business has been a lifeline, providing him with a steady income to support his family.
“For the past 7-8 years, we have been channeling zakat funds to help individuals like Rashid,” says Martin Faisal, president of Khidmat-e-Awamm. “Each donation is a step toward social change, ensuring that those in need are given the tools to stand on their own.”
The devastating anti-Muslim riots in Delhi in 2020 left Mohammad Wakeel with nothing. His home at North-East Delhi’s Shiv Vihar and business were destroyed, and he even suffered an acid attack. But his story did not end there.
With the help of the Miles 2 Smile Foundation, supported by zakat funds, he was able to start a general store in his area. This store has since become his primary source of income, pulling him out of the depths of despair and giving him a new beginning.
Danish Khan, who has been with Miles 2 Smile for five years, explains, “Zakat is about more than just relief — it is about empowering individuals to become self-sufficient, so they can eventually pay it forward and help others in need.”
Zakat’s potential to bridge gap
Zakat’s potential to alleviate poverty and reduce economic inequality is immense. According to Indian Express, the total amount of zakat given during Ramadan can range from Rs 10,000 to 40,000 crores. If used effectively, these funds could dramatically improve the economic conditions of marginalised communities, especially in impoverished Muslim areas.
Sohail Saifi, founder of the NGO Sophia, has witnessed the profound impact of zakat firsthand. Through his initiative ‘Saifi Count’, he has helped 50 economically disadvantaged individuals in Delhi’s Mustafabad region become financially stable over the past two years. He believes that zakat can be a game-changer for society if it is distributed wisely and reaches those who need it most.
“The correct use of zakat can bring about meaningful change in every section of society,” he says. “It is essential that we ensure these funds reach the right people, in every locality and district.”
Global impact, local change
Zakat is not just a local or national phenomenon — it is a global movement. Muslims across the world contribute to this powerful act of charity, and the key to its success lies in ensuring that funds reach the right hands. When zakat is used strategically, it can break the cycle of poverty, improve lives and create lasting social change.
As Ramadan continues, the stories of individuals like Tarannum, Rafiq, Rashid and Wakeel remind us of the impact that zakat can have, not only on individual lives but on communities as a whole. With every donation, it helps to build a stronger, more compassionate society, one act of kindness at a time.