Zakat—a pillar of Islam, and a sacred obligation—has the power to do far more than fulfill a religious duty. When channeled intentionally, it becomes a catalyst for global relief, lifting millions out of crisis and giving them a chance at stability, dignity, and growth.

In 2024, this potential was fully realized.

Embrace Relief, through its global zakat initiative, transformed contributions into tangible support across over 40 countries, reaching more than 8 million people. This impact wasn’t abstract—it was visible in healed eyes, filled water jugs, nourished children, rebuilt homes, and reopened classrooms.

Below, you’ll find a visual breakdown of the Top 7 High-Impact Projects Funded by Zakat in 2024, presented in an interactive infographic that captures the scale and humanity of your giving.

Understanding Zakat: More Than Charity

Zakat is a spiritual and social tool. It requires Muslims who meet the nisab threshold to donate 2.5% of their accumulated wealth annually. But what makes zakat especially powerful is its emphasis on redistribution—targeting society’s most vulnerable: the poor, the displaced, the ill, the orphaned.

At Embrace Relief, zakat is not just collected—it’s strategically mobilized to ensure that every dollar reaches someone who truly needs it. Each donation is managed with strict adherence to Islamic law (Sharia), supported by 17 globally recognized fatwas, and deployed with zero overhead, meaning 100% of your zakat goes directly into the field.

The Impact You Created in 2024

This year, your zakat helped restore vision, build water access, support orphans, deliver emergency food, fund refugee care, and support long-term education and healthcare infrastructure.

To understand the scale and diversity of these interventions, explore the infographic below, which highlights the seven key areas of global transformation achieved through zakat in 2024.

Each project area reflects lives changed—not just counted—and communities uplifted, not just served.

Figure 1, 2 & 3, Infographic about the Zakat Projects by Embrace relief, Own creation, 2025.

Quick Stats Recap

Figure 4, Quick Stats Recap, Own Creation, 2025

Why These Projects Matter

Each of these projects aligns with Sustainable Development Goals like No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health, Quality Education, and Clean Water & Sanitation. Zakat becomes more than a donation—it becomes a strategic, measurable investment in humanity.

Real People. Real Stories. Real Change.

While numbers convey reach, stories show impact.

Zakat made it possible for Amina in Chad to collect clean water from a safe source near her home, ending a two-hour daily trek with a heavy jug. In Mali, zakat funded cataract surgeries for hundreds of elderly villagers who had lived in darkness for years. In Gaza, zakat helped deliver critical food aid to families displaced by conflict, ensuring they could eat with dignity during Ramadan.
These are not statistics. They are your brothers and sisters. And this is the reality of what zakat can achieve when paired with a global logistics network, a people-first mission, and a relentless commitment to transparency.

How Embrace Relief Makes Your Zakat Count

Embrace Relief operates under a framework of trust, efficiency, and religious integrity. Here’s how they ensure every zakat donation has real impact:

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  No overhead on zakat funds: 100% of the donation goes to programs.
• Project tracking and updates: Donors receive field reports, testimonials, and visual documentation of completed projects.
• Locally-led implementation: Partnering with in-country organizations and clinics ensures culturally appropriate and sustainable aid.
• Shariah compliance: All zakat disbursements follow certified fatwas and Islamic finance principles.

You’re not just donating—you’re investing in ethical, trackable, and results-driven relief.

A Ripple Effect Worth Amplifying

What begins as an act of worship can ripple into economic empowerment, education access, clean water equity, and restored health.
When one person receives cataract surgery, an entire family regains a caretaker. When a community receives a clean water well, children stay in school instead of walking hours to fetch water. When emergency food reaches a refugee camp, a mother can feed her child without begging or borrowing.
These are the stories that unfold behind every zakat gift.

How Zakat Translates into Global Relief

So how does a donation from one individual turn into relief across 40+ countries?

• Strategic Distribution: Embrace Relief works with vetted local partners who understand regional needs and cultural sensitivities, ensuring zakat is distributed where it will have the greatest impact.
  
  

• Transparent Systems: Projects are tracked with monthly reporting, public audits, and photo documentation, so donors see their impact clearly.
  
  

• Fatwa Compliance: Embrace Relief's Zakat programs follow 17 internationally recognized fatwas, ensuring that your gift meets both Islamic law and ethical humanitarian standards.
  
  

• Zero Overhead on Zakat: 100% of zakat funds go directly to field programs—no cuts for administrative or operational costs.

What You Can Do Next

1. Give zakat through Embrace Relief to impact these seven categories.
   
   

2. Track usage—monthly updates and clear annual reports let you see your zakat at work.
   
   

3. Share this infographic—inspire your community.
   
   

4. Set monthly zakat donations to sustain long-term change.
   
   

FAQ: Zakat & Impact Projects

• Is zakat tax-deductible?
  In the U.S., Embrace Relief is a 501(c)(3), making donations potentially eligible for tax deduction.
  
  

• What percentage goes to projects?
  Embrace Relief directs 100% of zakat to programming—no administrative deductions.
  
  

• Can I choose a project?
  Yes—you can designate zakat to support water, orphan care, health, or emergency aid.

Ready to turn your zakat into impact? Whether it’s a monthly contribution or your next annual gift, your support can change lives—cleaning water, restoring sight, feeding families, and building futures across the globe. Start giving with purpose today.