Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is the holy month for Muslims to observe fasting the whole day. The purpose of fasting is to gain empathy for the underprivileged and get a better understanding of human suffering and remind Muslims to increase their charitable activities.
Both fasting and charity or zakat are obligatory upon Muslims who are capable to do so. The act of fasting also serves as a good way for Muslims to practise self-discipline, do spiritual reflection, and become closer to God.
If you consider heightening your charitable deeds during this holy month, but not sure where and how to start, this article is for you! We’ve gathered a list of projects, campaigns and charity programmes that you can be a part of this Ramadan.
Related: How To Celebrate Ramadan During A Pandemic
1. MERCY Malaysia
Serving as one of the well-known volunteer relief organisation, MERCY Malaysia actively provides medical and humanitarian assistance locally and abroad all year.
For Ramadan this year, MERCY Malaysia is organising RAMADAN RELIEF 2021 to help Asnaf and marginalised communities in Malaysia. This relief is run with the support from Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK) and Majlis Agama Islam Perlis (MAIPs). They aim to ensure sufficient food supplies and hygiene kits given to those in need during the entire month of Ramadan.
How to donate: Through credit/debit card, online banking and eWallet
Tax exemption: Yes
Click here to donate.
2. Islamic Relief Malaysia
Islamic Relief is an independent humanitarian aid and development organisation that established its presence in over 45 countries across the globe, including Malaysia.
Only in Ramadan, Islamic Relief Malaysia conducts an annual charity project called Rezeki Ramadan to help vulnerable people in 32 countries including Malaysia to ease their burden in preparing sahur (pre-fast) and iftar (breaking of fast) during the holy month of Ramadan.
This year, they target RM2.4 million in donations to help more than 60,000 beneficiaries through 12,000 food packs.
How to donate: Through online payment
Tax exemption: No
Click here to donate.
3. GlobalSadaqah
GlobalSadaqah is an award-winning corporate social responsibility (CSR), zakat management and charity crowdfunding social finance platform with a mission to provide the ultimate transparent alternative for matching corporate donations, zakat, and charity campaigns and projects.
You can find various Ramadan campaigns on their website you can donate to.
All Ramadan charity projects come from verified charity partners and approved by their Shariah team.
How to donate: Through online banking, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bitcoin and eWallet
Tax exemption: Depending on the charity partner
Click here to donate.
4. Hidayah Centre Foundation
Hidayah Centre Foundation Hidayah (HC) was established in 2005 as a non-governmental organisation that excels in the outreach and support of Mualaf (Muslim reverts). HC focuses its activities on newly-reverted Muslims who need guidance in various aspects as well as temporary shelter.
They’re currently running a donation campaign called ‘Sedekah Ramadan’ during this holy month to support the organisation in conveying Islam and supporting underprivileged reverts in Malaysia.
How to donate: Through online banking or credit/debit card
Tax exemption: N/A
Click here to donate.
5. Al-I’tisam Relief Program Association
Al-I’tisam Relief Program Association is a non-governmental organisation that provides aid to those who are less fortunate.
Their current Ramadan relief program, Projek Sedekah Ramadhan will be held in 10 countries around the world - including Malaysia, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, India, Nepal, Bangladesh (Rohingya), Myanmar (Rohingya), Cambodia and Lebanon. You're given the option to choose the country to which you would like to donate.
How to donate: Through online banking or credit/debit card
Tax exemption: Yes
Click here to donate.
Related: How to Prepare for Raya During COVID-19 Pandemic
6. Global Peace Mission (GPM)
Global Peace Mission is a non-profit organisation that provides “Humanitarian Mission Across Borders”. GPM constantly promotes the importance of fostering and maintaining universal peace through awareness programmes to aid those who are underprivileged and affected by war and natural disasters.
They’re currently organising a campaign called Iftar For The Needy (IFTN) that serves the purpose to help those who do not have the opportunity to enjoy food during sahur and iftar. They also use the money funded by this campaign to make daily distributions for necessities such as education and medical assistance.
How to donate: Through money deposit and online banking
Tax exemption: N/A
Click here to donate.
7. Haluan Malaysia
Himpunan Lepasan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (Haluan) is a non-governmental organisation that provides educational programs, charity and relief missions to 20 countries.
They’re actively running a campaign called Sejuta Barakah Ramadan that offers packages for you to channel your donations. The packages include a donation for iftar, food packs, livelihood assistance, education and investment for charity work.
How to donate: Through online payment, debit/credit card, Apple Pay, ATM, CDM, Cheque or Bank Counter
Tax exemption: N/A
Click here to donate.
8. Pertubuhan Bakti Nusantara
Pertubuhan Bakti Nusantara is a non-governmental organisation that strives to fight poverty and the urban poor by providing beneficial aid in the form of food donation.
Since there are families in Malaysia who are still affected by the pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO), they’re actively looking for sponsors to help those who in need. They distribute 1,000 kg of fresh fish every week to the affected families.
You can donate an amount of money according to these packages:
- 1 family - 1 bag of vegetables (RM5)
- 1 family - 1 kg of fresh fish (RM10)
- 1 family - 1 kg of fresh fish, 1 bag of vegetables (RM15)
How to donate: Through online banking, credit/debit card
Tax exemption: N/A
Click here to donate.
Giving charity increases blessings in one’s life
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims would race to add good deeds and take the opportunity to maximise their rewards by doing a lot of sadaqah or charity. Sadaqah does not only benefit Muslim in worldly life but the afterlife.
Allah SWT says in the Quran, “Who will lend to Allah a good loan which Allah will multiply many times over? It is Allah alone who decreases and increases wealth. And to Him you will all be returned,” (Quran, 2: 245).
Ramadan is a time to multiply our good intention and put them into action. With the ongoing pandemic, we should reach out to those at greater risk who may not have access to adequate sustenance, protection and healthcare.
Related: 12 Ways to Celebrate Your CMCO Hari Raya Alone (And Still Have a Great Time)
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