National Zakat Foundation

WHAT MORE CAN YOU DO?

Now you know about the National Zakat Foundation. So how else can you help, apart from giving Zakat?

1. Be informed and keep others well-informed

Generally be informed and inform others of the plight of our brothers/sisters. Find out about the poor and destitute in your local area. Contact any associated charities and find out about what work they are currently doing to help vulnerable people.

2. Raise awareness

The least you can do is disseminate what you know to your friends and family. Raise awareness among both your Muslim and non-Muslim contacts.

3. Continue with financial assistance

The people mentioned within the case studies are just examples of people who are facing great financial hardships. Give as much or as little as you prefer to continue your support. The Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: "Whoever relieves the distress of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his distress in this world and in the next." [Reported by Muslim]

4. Find out your local government policies:

How does your community deal with those in difficult situations? What are the policies and procedures that are followed when dealing with those in vulnerable or destitute situations? Research and read up on such matters.

5. Give your time

If you have some spare time, there are many Muslims who would benefit from help in the form of your time. Perhaps to help them complete application forms, or accompany them to appointments. Sometimes what people need is not your money, but your simple day to day help.

6. Charity Events

Such events are always popular and well-supported. Help organise them or, if you are unable to do so, support the events by attending, as a means of raising awareness. Find out what can be done to help the vulnerable members of our community, such as the homeless.

7. Make dua for your brother or sister

One of the duas that Allah answers is that for a brother in his absence. Therefore take great advantage of this form of worship. When you make dua for others, the Angels say 'Ameen' and make the same dua for you.

Remember...

Remember that these situations are not only a test for those who are directly affected, but also for the wider community, for Allah to see whether we sit back and ignore what is happening around us, or if we respond with our support. What you do will be done unto you, so let us race to help those in adversity, just as we would like for others to help us in our times of need.

Finally it is worth remembering some very important words of advice given to us by our beloved Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam who said: "The Muslim ummah is one body; if a part of this body is afflicted with pain, the rest of the body feels it."