About nzf canada

Helping Canadian Muslims Since 2013

Since 2013, our mission has been to make the pillar of Zakat simple, transparent, and impactful across Canada. At National Zakat Foundation, we envision a Muslim community that is dignified and unified through the prophetic teachings of Zakat.

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A closeup of text in the Quran with beads draped over it.

A large Muslim family all smiling and looking at the camera.

WHO WE ARE

Your Trusted Partner for Education, Collection and Distribution of Zakat

Since 2013, our mission has been to make the pillar of Zakat simple, transparent, and impactful across Canada. We envision a Muslim community that is dignified and unified through the prophetic teachings of Zakat.

30,000+

Individuals Supported Since 2013

13M+

Total Zakat Distributed

125+

Cities Across Canada Impacted

Our impact

WHY WE EXIST

Our Commitment to Charity and Giving Back

Need for Local Zakat

Despite government support and benefits, the local need for Zakat continues to be immense. Some of the most vulnerable members of our society get left behind when there is a lack of support for them from their own community.

The Forgotten Pillar

People have forgotten about the pillar of Zakat and its virtues in this world and the hereafter. Like Salah, Zakat is also an important pillar that purifies wealth and helps facilitate social cohesion.

Learn Zakat

OUR VALUES

Toward a Future Without Poverty

At National Zakat Foundation, our values stand as our guiding principles and are at the core of everything we do.

We are guided by Islamic values

We are here to serve others

We invest in ourselves

We innovate to achieve excellence

We believe in the power of collective effort

Our impact

OUR POLICIES

Upholding the Value of Community

We take the responsibility of managing your Zakat seriously and ensure that both payers and recipients of Zakat are treated fairly. In order to upload this pillar of Islam in Canada we adhere to the following policies.

Every dollar of Zakat collected is utilized in Canada.

All Zakat collected is distributed within one lunar year of its collection.

Zakat recipients are screened to make sure they meet the Islamic and financial criteria for Zakat eligibility.

All Sadaqah and general funds are utilized for administration and overhead fees before using Zakat for this purpose.

NZF utilizes Zakat for the collection and distribution of Zakat under the third category of Zakat: Amaleena Alayha (Zakat Administrators).

Our policies

Zakat Education

Your quest for everything Zakat related ends here. National Zakat Foundation provides world class Zakat Education resources for Muslims of all ages seeking clear and authentic information on Zakat. We do this through a variety of services including our knowledge bank, FAQs, blog posts, Zakat seminars, Zakat research papers, access to our Shari’ah advisory board and more.

Zakat education

Zakat Calculation

At National Zakat Foundation, we have leveraged the power of technology to make your Zakat calculation as simple and intuitive as possible (also available on excel). Our simple online Zakat calculator uses the information you provide and gives accurate results on how much Zakat you need to pay. The NZF Zakat calculator gives you much needed peace of mind and brings you closer to fulfilling one of your most important religious obligations.

Zakat calculation

Zakat Collection

Ready to give your Zakat? Easily donate your Zakat through our safe and secure online portal or explore other ways to give.

At National Zakat Foundation, giving Zakat is fast and easy, and can be done through credit card, cheques, e-transfers, stocks and securities and more.

Zakat collection

Zakat Distribution

NZF’s distribution program is the core mechanism through which we bring the pillar of Zakat to life. This program puts our donor’s funds into action in impactful ways to change the lives of needy families across Canada. This program includes:

Zakat Program & Casework – Our in-depth case analyses ensure clients are chosen so that every dollar of Zakat is distributed to those who are deserving of it.
Community Programs - Our community programs aim to strengthen the Muslim community in Canada by working together through the pillar of Zakat. This includes our debt relief program.
NZF Feeds - NZF Feeds is a food packages program that aims to transform the way Canadian Muslims receive food.

Zakat distribution

Our team

Compassionate Individuals Working Toward a Better World

Our team is made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to helping those in need. Whether it's through volunteering our time, donating resources, or advocating for those who are marginalized, we are committed to making a positive difference in our community.

NZF Team

Board of directors

Alaa Jaradat

Hassan Newaz

Qazi Karim

Nisha Ravindranath

Regional Manager, ON

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Fatouma Asowe

Regional Manager, QC

Adil Siddiqui

Head of Outreach and Development

Asif Siddiqui

Product Development Manager

Ammar Abu Rayseh

Director of Finance

Alaa Jaradat

Treasurer

Hassan Newaz

Director

Qazi Karim

President

Asmaa Ellithy

Program Manager, Zakat Distribution

Lobna Mahdi

Program Manager, Community Services

Saleha Pathan

Marketing Manager

Rayyan Enzo

Digital Marketing & Web Manager

Aqsa Ahmed

Human Resources Manager

Mubeen Khan

Director of Operations

Saima Mafat

Director of Fund Development

Zaid Mirza

Program Director

Zubair Qasim

Chief Executive Officer

From our Clients

"I would like to thank you for your generosity and for not leading me to go around begging for money, because it would be very hard for me as an elderly woman. May Allah bless your efforts and fill your banks with hasanat, by Allah’s blessings."

Mehwish

Elderly client

From our Clients

"Assalam o alaykom sister, I appreciate your kindness and ask ALLAH to protect you all, you have removed my greatest concern, hope you never have problems in your life."

Ammar

Client with disabilities, Calgary

From our Clients

"Dear friends of National Zakat, I am writing to you to let you know that I received your package and Alhamdollelah by the grace of God and the help of you all, I was able to pay off all my debt and my overdue payment."

Arij

Single woman suffering from depression and PTSD

FAQs

Answering Your Questions

Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our organization and its work. We hope that this page will help you learn more about us and how we can help you or your community.

Learn about Zakat

How does National Zakat Foundation distribute Zakat?

Muslims in financial hardship apply for Zakat online or by phone. Our trained intake worker ensures the completion of the application and requests supporting documentation. A Zakat caseworker then assesses financial need and Zakat eligibility. Upon eligibility, Zakat is issued to meet the specific financial needs of the applicant. Zakat may be issued to meet housing needs, food, debt relief and other essentials of life. Read more here.

Does National Zakat Foundation only assist Muslims?

We follow the legal guidelines of Zakat as a restricted fund to assist Muslims in need. However, we do receive applications from those, not of the Islamic faith and provide whatever assistance we can from non-Zakat funds as well as by connecting them to other resources available in the community. Read more here.

How long do recipients have to wait to get assistance?

Most applications are processed within 2 to 10 days from the submission of all supporting materials required depending on the volume of application we are dealing with at that specific time. For urgent cases, we process cases much sooner depending on the circumstances. Read more here.

What is the length of assistance for Zakat recipients?

NZF provides assistance for a short period of time (2-4 months generally). However, our team of caseworkers are equipped with the knowledge of government benefits and community resources, which are key in providing a more holistic service, with an aim toward self-sustainability.

Will I receive an official donation receipt for my donation?

Yes, as a registered Canadian charity, NZF will provide an official donation receipt. All donations made online will receive their tax receipts instantly via email. For all other forms of donations, tax receipts will be sent at the end of the year (usually in the month of February).

Still Have Questions?

If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us for more information or read our knowledge base below.

Ask an expert

Every Donation Makes a Difference!

Your generosity will help us to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those in need. Click here to make your donation today and join us in creating a brighter future for all.

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Muslim father playing with his daughter inside of her bedroom.

Your Trusted Partner for Education, Collection and Distribution of Zakat

Our Commitment to Charity and Giving Back

Toward a Future Without Poverty