Zakat Rules and How We Manage Your Giving
“[…] then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor.” (Bukhari)
Every penny of Zakat donated through us goes to people who qualify for Zakat support at Shaukat Khanum in Pakistan. This process begins with a review of each application.
A dedicated team at Shaukat Khanum considers each case under a Shariah framework guided by a qualified scholar. Non-Zakat expenses are covered through Sadaqah and other donations.
Read on to see how we put Zakat rules into practice, and why you can donate through us with confidence and clarity.
How Shaukat Khanum Checks Who Qualifies for Zakat
A dedicated team follows a clear, step-by-step process to assess who qualifies for Zakat support:
- When someone applies for Zakat assistance, the Financial Support Services team meets with them to learn about their household, income, and circumstances.
- This information helps determine whether they meet the criteria set out under Zakat rules.
- The details collected are passed to field investigators, who carry out local checks to confirm them.
- Applicants are also asked to provide a signed and stamped referral letter from their local Zakat Authorities.
Those who pass the inspection are supported through a special Zakat fund at Shaukat Khanum. This fund is managed separately, in line with Shariah principles. It supports around 75% of people helped through Shaukat Khanum each year.
How Scholars Keep Zakat Distribution Shariah Compliant
Zakat distribution at Shaukat Khanum is overseen by a Shariah Compliance Framework. This was developed under the guidance of Mufti Omais Muhammad Alam. He is a qualified scholar with expertise in Islamic finance and Zakat.
The framework governs how Zakat funds are managed in line with Islamic principles.
It was created in partnership with Meezan Bank, the largest Islamic bank in Pakistan. Meezan Bank is recognised for its leadership in Shariah-based finance for both individuals and businesses.
How We Use Sadaqah and Other Donations for Non-Zakat Expenses
You may have noticed that we ask our donors for Sadaqah in addition to Zakat. Zakat and Sadaqah serve different purposes, and both are vital to our work.
Zakat supports individuals who meet the criteria under Islamic rules. Sadaqah and other donations cover the remaining essential expenses.
These include:
- Providing nourishing meals to those who rely on our support through Shaukat Khanum.
- The day-to-day running of Shaukat Khanum facilities.
- Future projects and initiatives, such as Shaukat Khanum Karachi (opening in December 2026).
- Other operational needs that keep Shaukat Khanum running smoothly.
Together, these donations help us stay transparent and accountable.
We would like to reassure our donors that Shaukat Khanum accounts are operating as normal, with no restrictions in place. Our founder is unable to make an appeal for those who rely on our support through Shaukat Khanum in Pakistan. In his absence, you can continue helping them with your Zakat as we prepare for the opening of Shaukat Khanum Karachi in December 2026.