El Encuentro is committed to receiving and distributing Zakat compliant with the Shariah in an honest and ethical manner. El Encuentro is committed to having in place and enforcing effective systems which ensure such adherence, details of which are set out below. Givers can be confident they can give their Zakat to El Encuentro knowing that the funds will be used carefully and appropriately. This policy sets out our responsibilities in observing and upholding the processes related to Zakat collection and distribution.

This policy applies to anyone who works for El Encuentro or on behalf of El Encuentro, in any capacity, regardless of where they are located (‘team member’ or ‘team’). This includes employees, directors, officers, workers, agency workers, contractors, consultants, third-party representatives, agents, volunteers, and business partners. We ensure that all new team members can access the policy when they join our organization and that anyone else can also access the policy.

What is Zakat?

Zakat is a core part of our faith as Muslims and the Qur’an gives clear instructions on the distribution of Zakat and its use in the broader community. Furthermore, the guidelines on how to give Zakat and who is eligible to receive Zakat have been clearly outlined in the Prophetic tradition and Islamic scholars. 

“Zakat is for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect Zakat 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.” (Qur’an 9:60)

To read our full Zakat Policy and found out more about Zakat Eligibility, Collection, and Distribution, please download the document via the button below.