Why Was NZF Established?

Established in 2013, National Zakat Foundation was created to fill the gap of Zakat collection and distribution in Canada. Many of those who give their Zakat regularly are unaware that one should give their Zakat locally and most are also unaware that there is a growing need for Zakat in Canada. Contributing to this is often the misconception that government funds and support are more than enough to bridge the gap for those who are in need – which is not always the case.    

So what is Zakat?   

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, right after the pillar of Salah. It requires Muslims to give 2.5% of their qualifying wealth each year to help Muslims who need it across 8 categories of people. The main concept of Zakat is to eliminate the concentration of wealth in the hands of the rich and ensure it circulates to the poor. The 8 categories are outlined in Surah Tawbah (Surah 9, verse 60):   

 إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقاتُ لِلفُقَراءِ وَالمَساكينِ وَالعامِلينَ عَلَيها وَالمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلوبُهُم وَفِي الرِّقابِ وَالغارِمينَ وَفي سَبيلِ اللَّهِ وَابنِ السَّبيلِ ۖ فَريضَةً مِنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَليمٌ حَكيمٌ

Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

 To learn more, download our zakat guide here.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) gave his companion, Mu’adh, who was sent to spread the message of Islam in Yemen, the following instructions:  

“O Mu’adh! Inform them that Allah makes Zakat obligatory for them. (It is) to be taken from their rich and given to their poor.”  

 [Bukhari].   

Who are most in need of Zakat in Canada?    

It is often the most vulnerable of individuals that get left behind in society. Our research has shown that societal barriers, such as language, inaccessibility, lack of opportunities, etc, continue to prevent certain individuals from thriving. We have compiled the following list of those who are in most need of Zakat in Canada, according to the 8 categories.  

• Refugees & Newcomers   
•  Elderly   
•  Single parents   
•  People with disabilities   
•  New Muslims  

•  Homeless   

Mission: Make the pillar of Zakat simple, transparent, and impactful across Canada.  

Zakat doesn’t have to be complicated, we’ve made it our mission, quite literally, to make the process easy, clear, and efficient for you! Many Muslims in our community are insecure with their knowledge of Zakat, and as a result, don’t pay it. We want our community to feel confident in donating to make a true impact across Canada.  

Our online learning page is filled with different tools to help you calculate your Zakat, as quickly and easily as possible. If you still have questions, you can book a 1 on 1 virtual Zakat consultation session with a Zakat expert!   

Vision: A Muslim Community that is dignified and unified through the prophetic teaching of Zakat.   

Dignity doesn’t diminish when one is going through hardship. It is rather a means of Allah SWT raising one's status. At National Zakat Foundation, we maintain the dignity and respect of our clients through some of the following ways:   

• Confidential 1 on 1 casework    
• Treating our clients with compassion and respect  
• Delivery of fresh food packages to the doorstep of our beneficiaries   
• Sustainable solutions to our clients' needs   

Zakat is a right set by Allah SWT to those in need. For those who are able to give, it’s an obligation. At NZF, we have been blessed to facilitate Zakat in Canada, and we don’t take this job lightly, as it's an amanah (trust) from Allah SWT. Through research and data collection, we at NZF strive to utilize donations and Zakat to bring the best services to our recipients.   

Your Trusted Zakat Partner: Your trusted partner for the education, collection, and distribution of Zakat.   

It’s been nine amazing years of serving our community and we pray that we can continue to do so. We are constantly exploring different ways of how to make our services better, as well as how to expand our Zakat education to reach more people. Our goal is for NZF to be a “one-stop-shop,” for all Zakat-related needs.  

So far, we’ve distributed $7 million in Zakat and Sadaqah and have worked in 90+ cities across Canada! However, our goal is for our services to reach every Muslim who may need them. We have a long way to go, but with your help, we are making strides every day.  

Your support can help us get where we need to be. Donate Today.  

Keep an eye out for updates regarding our programs!