Religious Giving
Zakat
What is Zakat?
Zakat is a sacred obligation of every able Muslim and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, rooted in the principles of compassion and justice. It is a powerful form of charity that requires Muslims with wealth to donate a portion of it to those in need, including orphans, individuals in debt, those who are stranded during travel, and those who live in poverty. By honoring the responsibility to serve those who are less fortunate, Muslims demonstrate their devotion and connection to Allah.
Why give Zakat?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that Zakat is an opportunity for us to help those who are less fortunate, and to show our gratitude to Allah SWT for the blessings we have been given. By fulfilling our duty, we can bring hope and dignity to vulnerable communities across the world.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr, otherwise known as Fitrah, or Fitrana, is a mandatory donation that must be made before the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. It reminds Muslims of their duty to give back to society.
This sacred act requires Muslims who have excess food to offer a small handful of it to those who are in need during the holy month of Ramadan.
How much Zakat does one need to give?
In Canada, Zakat is calculated based on one’s annual income and assets. The minimum amount for those who qualify is 2.5% of a Muslim’s total savings and wealth.
Simplify your Zakat calculation with our free and user-friendly Zakat Calculator.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to donate during Ramadan in 2025. Your donation can help save lives and build communities.
Sadaqah
What is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah, meaning ‘charity’, is the concept of voluntary giving in Islam. Described in the Holy Qur’an as ‘a beautiful loan,’ sadaqah encompasses any act of charitable giving done out of compassion, love, friendship or generosity.
Sadaqah can be given to anyone at any time of the year.
How are Sadaqah donations used?
At IDRF, both your Sadaqah donations, Zakat donations, and spending in charity allow some of the world’s most vulnerable people to gain access to food, shelter, water, education, economic development opportunities, and the ability to live with dignity and independence.
What forms can Sadaqah take and how does it help those in need?
Sadaqah can take many forms, and it is not limited to financial donations.
It can be anything that helps others and brings them relief, from volunteering at a food bank to donating clothes to those in need.
Sadaqah Jariyah, or ongoing charity, is also highly encouraged.
This refers to acts of charity that continue to benefit others even after the donor has passed away, such as building a mosque, water well, or a school.
Poverty and food insecurity are a reality for many vulnerable communities around the world, and true charity has the potential to be life-saving.
Donations can go towards providing food, shelter, healthcare, education, and protection for communities in need.
Ramadan
What is Ramadan?
In Ramadan, the essence of Islam is achieved. During this holy month, all pillars of Islam are fulfilled. Muslims are advised by Allah SWT to seek his pleasure through noble acts of worship by following Qur’anic guidance and acts of prayer, fasting, and charity.
Fasting is prescribed to all adults of able body and mind during this holy month.
When is Ramadan 2025?
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar marks the first day of Ramadan. The Islamic Calendar follows the lunar cycle.
Ramadan 2025 is set to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28 in Canada and most Muslim-majority nations, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca.
What is the significance of Ramadan?
The purpose of this fast is to develop religious self-discipline, to increase empathy for those who are less fortunate, and to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah SWT.
The restraint from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, allows for Muslims time to reflect upon the blessings they have in comparison to those living in less-privileged circumstances.
Fidya/Kaffara
What is the difference between Fidya and Kaffara?
Fidya is a charitable act for those unable to fast during Ramadan due to old age, chronic illness, medical conditions, or pregnancy. It involves providing meals to those in need.
Kaffara is a form of charity to make amends for deliberately missing or breaking a fast without a valid reason.
How do I calculate what I owe?
Both Fidya and Kaffara donations are meant to feed a person in need for each of the fasting days missed and are calculated as equivalent to the price of one meal each for two people, or two meals for one person. This is calculated as $15 per day.
This amount is based on the average cost of a basic meal in Canada. If you feel that you spend more per meal, then it is permissible to adjust the price accordingly.
Fidya can be calculated for any amount of individual days, or $450 for the entire month.
Furthermore, if able, one should make up missed fasts during the month by fasting the same amount of days afterward.
Kaffara is calculated at the same daily amount.
However, the atonement for purposefully breaking one’s fast in Ramadan is to either fast 60 consecutive days after Ramadan.
If one is unable to make up for their fasts, the alternative is to feed 60 people, which equals 30 days of charity equalling $450.