Everything You Need to Know About Zakat

Is PCRF Eligible for Zakat Support?

Your Zakat-eligible contributions to the PCRF Zakat Fund ensures that your donation specifically supports the most in need, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Palestinian Dar Al Iftaa letter (below), providing them with essential food, shelter, and medical care. PCRF serves vulnerable communities throughout Palestine and the Middle East, providing urgent and direct humanitarian aid, life-saving surgeries, medical care and rehabilitation, and support to those in need and most affected by the crisis. Although PCRF is not a religious organization, it operates in a predominantly Muslim region, and Zakat donations are vital to its work.

What is Zakat?

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and means "purification." It is a form of charitable giving, where Muslims contribute a portion of their wealth to support the poor and those in need. Zakat can be given year-round, but it holds particular significance during Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and charity, often resulting in an increase in donations. Zakat helps deliver lifesaving support quickly, which resonates with Ramadan’s values of empathy, generosity, and unity, emphasizing on timely, impactful charity.  

How is Zakat Calculated?

Zakat is generally calculated at 2.5% of an individual’s or family’s accumulated wealth over the year, including savings, investments, gold, silver, and nonessential property. Zakat is due if one’s total wealth exceeds the nisab—the minimum threshold set according to the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. Before calculating Zakat, outstanding debts and immediate liabilities (such as rent, bills, or loan repayments due within the year) can be deducted. If, after these deductions, the remaining wealth still exceeds the nisab and has been held for a full lunar year (hawl), Zakat becomes obligatory. For more details or to ensure accuracy in your calculations, many credible online resources and Zakat calculators are available from trusted organizations and scholars.

Do Zakat Practices Vary by Country?

The practice of Zakat differs in various countries, with some governments collecting and distributing it. In other countries, Muslims have more flexibility and can choose how they wish to engage in Zakat themselves—like donating to their local mosque, a community organization, Muslim associations, and other charitable organisations. 

Who Receives Zakat?

Zakat is distributed to the eight categories outlined in the Quran: 

{إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ} (التوبة 60)

"Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted 'to the faith', for 'freeing' slaves, for those in debt, for Allah's cause, and for 'needy' travelers. This is an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise." [Al Touba 60]

How to Give Zakat to PCRF? 

For Online Donations
Visit this link

For Domestic and International Wire Transfers

Account Name: Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
Account Number: 858000180156
Account Holder Address: 2600 W. OLIVE AVE., SUITE 543
Routing/Transit for ACH: 081904808
Routing/Transit for Wires: 026009593
SWIFT: BOFAUS3N

For Check donation

Account Holder Address: 2600 W. OLIVE AVE., SUITE 543
Please note "Zakat" in the memo field

For donation inquiries

Email us at [email protected]