Where Does Your Zakat Really Go?

Your Zakat. Her Shelter. Our Amanah.

Every year, Muslims around the world give Zakat — an obligation rooted in compassion, justice, and care for those in need. But many donors are left wondering: Where does your Zakat really go? At Nisa Foundation, we believe that question deserves a clear, honest answer.

Your Zakat is a sacred trust (Amanah) that we honour through transparent, Shariah-compliant processes designed to protect your giving and uplift women and children in crisis. This guide walks you through exactly how we manage and distribute Zakat — with integrity, care, and impact.

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100% of Your Zakat Goes Directly to Those in Need

When you donate Zakat through Nisa Foundation:

• Every dollar goes directly to eligible recipients

• No administrative fees or overhead are taken from Zakat

• Operations are funded separately through Sadaqah and grants

This ensures your Zakat is used only for its intended purpose — helping those who qualify under Islamic guidelines.

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Financial Eligibility Is Carefully Reviewed

To make sure your Zakat is going to those who are truly in need, we conduct detailed financial assessments for each applicant. These include:

• Reviewing income and employment status

• Evaluating expenses, savings, and outstanding debts

• Reassessing eligibility annually to reflect life changes

This thorough process allows us to distribute Zakat fairly and accurately.

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Consent Is Given Through a Dignified Tamleek Process

Before receiving support, eligible clients sign a Tamleek agreement, which gives consent to receive Zakat through services, not cash. This helps protect both the dignity of the recipient and the integrity of the funds.

Zakat may be provided through:

• Safe shelter at our transitional homes

• Groceries, clothing, and basic necessities

• Mental health services, therapy, and emotional support

This model allows women to receive exactly what they need — with care, structure, and dignity.

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Non-Zakat Clients Are Supported Separately

Some women and children who seek help from Nisa Foundation are not eligible for Zakat. We ensure:

• Zakat is never used for non-Zakat clients

• Sadaqah and grant funding cover these support services

• Costs are proportioned carefully to maintain fairness

This separation is part of our commitment to honouring the rules of Zakat distribution.

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Zakat Is Always Distributed Within One Lunar Year

We do not hold onto Zakat funds unnecessarily. Instead:

• All Zakat is distributed within one lunar year of receiving it

• Funds are actively used to support clients and services

• No amount is forgotten, delayed, or left unused

This ensures your Zakat has an immediate and meaningful impact.

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Our Process Is Guided by Trusted Shariah Scholars

To ensure full compliance, our Zakat program is supervised by knowledgeable and trusted scholars. This includes:

• Oversight on how Zakat is assessed, collected, and spent

• Continued consultation on any new or complex cases

• A commitment to Islamic principles of transparency and accountability

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So… Where Does Your Zakat Really Go?

It goes to the woman escaping abuse who now has a safe place to sleep.
It goes to the mother choosing groceries without fear.
It goes to the child receiving therapy after witnessing trauma.

At Nisa Foundation, your Zakat becomes real, measurable care — delivered with transparency, dignity, and trust. We protect your donation and treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

To learn more about our Zakat Policy and process, visit:
nisafoundation.ca/zakat-policy

Give with confidence. Give with purpose.

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