Naseeha Zakat Policy

At Naseeha, we take the responsibility of collecting and distributing zakat with the utmost seriousness and care. Donors trust us to help fulfill this sacred obligation, and this policy outlines how zakat funds are managed and allocated in accordance with Islamic principles and guidance from trusted scholars.

Understanding Zakat

Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside prayer, fasting, pilgrimage (Hajj), and belief in Allah (SWT) and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

  • Definition: Zakat is a compulsory charity that purifies wealth, increases barakah (blessing), and supports those in need. The word itself means “to cleanse” or “to purify.”

  • Obligation: Every sane, adult Muslim who possesses wealth above the nisab threshold for a full lunar year must give 2.5% of that wealth as zakat.

  • Purpose: Beyond financial support, zakat strengthens communities, uplifts the vulnerable, and connects believers to the responsibility of social care.

The Qur’an (9:60) identifies eight categories of eligible zakat recipients:

  1. The poor (al-fuqara)

  2. The needy (al-masakin)

  3. Administrators of zakat

  4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled

  5. Those in bondage/slavery

  6. Those in debt

  7. In the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah)

  8. Travellers in need (ibn al-sabil, including refugees)

Collection of Zakat at Naseeha

  • Donors must make a clear intention (niyyah) at the time of giving that their donation is for zakat.

  • Naseeha provides a dedicated zakat option on donation platforms. These funds are recorded separately in a zakat-only account to ensure complete transparency.

  • All zakat funds are tracked and allocated strictly in accordance with Islamic guidance.

Distribution of Zakat at Naseeha

Naseeha distributes zakat exclusively toward eligible programs and services that directly benefit individuals who qualify under Islamic guidelines.

Free Therapy Program

  • Purpose: To remove financial barriers to professional mental health services for those who cannot afford them.

  • Eligibility: Clients applying to this program must provide their Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the previous tax year. Income levels are assessed by Naseeha’s therapy administration team against provincial low-income thresholds set by the Canadian government.

    • This review enables us to determine if the individual using the service meets the islamic criteria of possession of nisab

    • Clients are requested to confirm their consent for Naseeha to be a representative to collect zakat on their behalf

  • Impact: This ensures zakat reaches those genuinely in financial hardship, allowing them to access critical mental health support without cost.

Accountability & Oversight

  • This zakat policy has been reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to ensure compliance with Islamic jurisprudence. These include:

  • - Sh. Sohaib Zuberi

  • - Mufti Yusuf Badat

  • Naseeha maintains clear records of zakat collection and disbursement, with regular reviews to ensure integrity, transparency, and full compliance with both Islamic principles and Canadian regulatory standards.