As the
world faces unprecedented refugee crisis, sustainable financial assistance has
emerged as a vital aspect of Islamic philanthropy. Deeply rooted in
principles of human dignity, empathy, and the responsibility to aid those in
need, Islamic philanthropy encompasses various forms of charitable giving,
including Zakat (almsgiving).
Zakat
is a religious duty incumbent upon every Muslim, emphasizing the redistribution
of wealth to support the most vulnerable members of society. The general
guideline for Zakat is to give 2.5% (or 1/40th) of one’s eligible wealth each
year. Among the eight categories of people eligible for receiving
Zakat, the Quran (9:60) mentions “ibn Sabeel” or wayfarer,
referring to a traveler who does not have sufficient funds to sustain their
journey. In this context, all persons who are displaced and away from home,
including refugees, are considered wayfarers and are entitled to
receive Zakat if they are in need of assistance.
The
beauty of Islamic philanthropy lies in its capacity to offer both short-term
and long-term assistance. In times of crisis and emergencies, Islamic
philanthropic organizations have demonstrated their agility in swiftly
responding to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and essential supplies to
refugees. Zakat can serve as a pathway for individuals to attain long-term
self-reliance and economic empowerment through a range of programs that
encompass education, training, and psychosocial support. For example, by
allocating Zakat funds to income-generating projects, vocational training programs, and microfinance initiatives, individuals and communities can develop
sustainable means of income and make valuable contributions to local economies.
Zakat can also play a crucial role in supporting cash transfer programs, which
provide individuals with the freedom to prioritize their needs, whether related
to food, healthcare, education, or starting their own ventures.
In
terms of sustainability, there are significant parallels between Islamic
philanthropy and the United Nations’ Global Compact on Refugees, which emphasizes
the importance of refugee self-reliance and dignity, along with actionable and
sustainable measures for host communities. The recent Islamic Philanthropy
Report, a collaborative effort between the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, notes that since
its establishment in 2017, the UN’s Refugee Zakat Fund has provided financial
assistance to approximately six million forcibly displaced individuals.[1] The report has
also shed light on the significant contribution of Islamic philanthropy in
establishing schools and educational programs for refugee communities over the
years. By fostering economic self-sufficiency, these programs enable refugees
to become contributors to the Zakat system as they grow older, thereby
establishing a sustainable and virtuous cycle of development.
To
ensure fair distribution of Zakat funds in accordance with Islamic principles,
an effective and accurate measurement of need and poverty is necessary. The
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), adopted as the official measure by the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), provides an ideal means to achieve
this. The index goes beyond traditional income-based measures and incorporates
multiple dimensions of poverty, including education, health, housing, and
social inclusion. The MPI recognizes that poverty is complex and cannot be
solved with a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it emphasizes the importance
of contextualization and localization. It recognizes that poverty manifests
differently in various regions and communities, and therefore, solutions must
be adapted to local realities. In essence, the MPI model allows for a more
comprehensive understanding of poverty and enables targeted interventions that
address the specific deprivations experienced by refugees and other vulnerable
populations. By utilizing the MPI, we can better identify the specific
areas and populations that require assistance, ensuring that Zakat funds are
directed towards those who are most in need.
Likewise,
for Zakat to realize its full potential, more efficient management is critical.
Currently, most Zakat institutions operate at the national level, with some
countries hosting multiple public and private Zakat programs. This lack of
streamlining hinders the effectiveness of Zakat initiatives worldwide.
Therefore, three steps are crucial:
- The first step entails enhancing institutionalization and collaboration among Zakat initiatives on a global scale to effectively tackle humanitarian challenges. Establishing a Global Humanitarian Zakat Fund would serve as a central platform for cooperation and coordination among Zakat institutions across the world. This body would function as a channel for mobilizing resources and distributing aid to the most vulnerable, including refugees. It would also foster knowledge-sharing, promote best practices, and facilitate joint efforts among relevant institutions. Additionally, the global body would play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of Zakat.
- The second step is to adopt a strategic lens to charitable giving that aims for a transformative impact on poverty alleviation. This approach focuses on enabling and empowering individuals and communities to achieve self-sufficiency and resilience in the long term. Education, healthcare, and capacity-building take priority.
- Lastly, achieving consensus on a universal measure of need and impact is essential. By developing a standardized framework to assess and evaluate poverty levels and the effectiveness of Zakat interventions, comparisons and prioritization of beneficiaries can be made across different regions and organizations. This ensures that Zakat funds are directed towards those most in need and their positive impact is maximized. A Global Humanitarian Zakat Fund could play a pivotal role in facilitating this process.
اضافة اعلانMoving
forward, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive approach to refugee
empowerment that extends beyond emergency material assistance. Islamic
philanthropy carries tremendous financial, religious, cultural, and social
weight worldwide, and its utilization in this regard is long overdue. Our
utmost priority must lie in establishing a Global Humanitarian Zakat
Fund, as the cornerstone for collaboration, strategic giving, and
effective resource mobilization to address pressing humanitarian issues worldwide. It is our collective responsibility to harness Zakat for the
betterment of all individuals, irrespective of their faith, to transform
refugee lives, promote justice and compassion, and build a more equitable
world.
HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal
was born in Amman in 1947. HRH is the youngest son of Their late Majesties King
Talal and Queen Zein El Sharaf, the brother of His late Majesty King Hussein,
and the uncle of HM King Abdullah II. Prince Hassan served as Jordan’s Crown
Prince from April 1965 until January 1999. HRHs early schooling was in Amman.
He later went to Summerfields, followed by Harrow and then Christ Church,
Oxford University from where he graduated with a B.A. (Hons.) in Oriental Studies.
This item was first published on World Refugee & Migration Council
[1] UNHCR. (2023). Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report, p. 2.
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