ZAKAT POLICY

Human Care International UK (HCI UK)

Commitment to Sharia Compliance & Responsible Distribution

Human Care International UK (HCI UK) recognises that Zakat is a sacred obligation and a trust (Amanah). We are committed to ensuring that all Zakat funds are collected, managed, and distributed in strict accordance with Islamic principles.

This policy outlines how we handle Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr to ensure full compliance, transparency, and accountability.

    1.Our Zakat Principles

    HCI UK adheres to the following principles:

    • Zakat funds are used only for eligible recipients as defined in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)
    • Zakat is kept separate from Sadaqah and general donations
    • Funds are distributed with dignity and confidentiality
    • Beneficiary eligibility is assessed carefully
    • Zakat is not invested in WAQF or long-term portfolios
    • Administrative use of Zakat (if applicable) is limited and Sharia-compliant

    Zakat is treated as a restricted fund and handled with the highest level of care.

    2. Eligible Recipients of Zakat

    In accordance with Islamic guidance, Zakat may be distributed to eligible individuals within the following categories:

    • The poor (Al-Fuqara)
    • The needy (Al-Masakin)
    • Those in debt
    • Those facing hardship
    • Other eligible categories as defined in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60)

    HCI UK primarily focuses on supporting:

    • Low-income families
    • Vulnerable elderly individuals
    • Individuals facing financial crisis
    • Eligible hardship cases within the UK

    Each case is reviewed to ensure eligibility.

    3. Collection & Fund Management

    To maintain compliance and transparency:

    • Zakat funds are recorded separately in our accounting system
    • Zakat donations are clearly tagged in our CRM (Zeffy system)
    • Zakat is not mixed with WAQF or unrestricted Sadaqah
    • Detailed internal records are maintained for reporting and audit purposes

    Donors may specify if their donation is full or partial Zakat.

    4. Zakat Distribution Process

    1. Applications or referrals are received.
    2. Financial eligibility is assessed.
    3. Verification is conducted where required.
    4. Zakat funds are allocated to qualifying recipients.
    5. Distribution is made discreetly and respectfully.

    Where possible, funds are prioritised for urgent and essential needs such as:

    • Food support
    • Basic living expenses
    • Essential bills
    • Emergency hardship cases

    5. Zakat al-Fitr Policy

    What is Zakat al-Fitr?

    Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity due at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer.

    It is required from every Muslim who has more than their basic needs, and it must be paid on behalf of each dependent family member.

    Its purposes are:

    • To purify the fast from shortcomings
    • To ensure those in need can celebrate Eid with dignity

    6. Amount of Zakat al-Fitr

    The amount is equivalent to the value of staple food.

    HCI UK sets an annual recommended amount based on current food prices (e.g., £6 per person — subject to yearly review).

    Donors are encouraged to pay before Eid prayer to ensure valid fulfilment.

    Distribution of Zakat al-Fitr

    HCI UK ensures:

    • Zakat al-Fitr is distributed before Eid prayer where possible
    • Funds are prioritised for food and essential support
    • Recipients meet Zakat eligibility criteria
    • Distribution is timely and dignified

    Zakat al-Fitr is treated separately from general Zakat donations in reporting and allocation.

    7. Governance & Accountability

    HCI UK is committed to:

    • Ethical and transparent financial management
    • Accurate record-keeping
    • Responsible stewardship of all restricted funds
    • Regular internal oversight

    We recognise that Zakat is a religious obligation, and we handle it with the seriousness and respect it requires.

    8. Donor Responsibility

    Donors are responsible for:

    • Correctly calculating their Zakat obligation
    • Declaring their donation as Zakat where applicable
    • Paying Zakat al-Fitr before Eid prayer

    HCI UK may provide guidance tools (such as a Zakat calculator), but the final responsibility of calculation remains with the donor.

    9. Contact & Queries

    If you have any questions regarding our Zakat or Zakat al-Fitr policy, please contact:

    📧 info@hci-uk.org

    We are happy to provide clarification regarding distribution, eligibility, or compliance.

    Closing Statement

    Zakat is a right of the vulnerable and an obligation upon those who are eligible.

    At Human Care International UK, we are committed to honouring that trust with integrity, transparency, and faith-guided responsibility.