Zakat and Charity
Zakat strengthens ties between different segments of society. The virtue and rewards of charity are great, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan.
The Zakat and Charity Fund (Arabic only) is the entity responsible for collecting zakat and donations in the Kingdom of Bahrain with the aim of utilising them for Sharia-prescribed purposes. The Fund raises awareness about zakat, explains its provisions, develops the sources and the mechanisms for its collection and disbursement, and aids families in need who are eligible for it.
Calculating and paying zakat
The Zakat and donations services, provided by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, allow you to calculate and pay the amount of zakat that is due annually, give donations throughout the year, and contribute to the Ministry’s ongoing charity projects such as Eid clothing, the Ramadan basket, winter clothing, and others. The services also support the Zakat and Charity Fund by providing the option to support charitable projects of the Ministry.
Islamiyat
The Islamiyat app allows you to calculate and pay the amount of zakat due to beneficiaries, donate to charity, and support the Zakat and Charity Fund at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf. It also provides the "Fa’el Khair" service, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, which enables good Samaritans to donate money to those who have been legally found to be insolvent or defaulters.
Legal inquiries about zakat and donations
You can send your legal inquiries directly to the Zakat and Charity Fund (Arabic only) by filling out a form. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
Fundraising licenses
The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs & Endowments regulates fundraising, with the aim of promoting transparency and responsibility by all stakeholders, including donors, applicants, and beneficiaries. It oversees all stages of the work, starting from planning collection and ending with delivery, to ensure the legality of the process and that the disbursements reach their intended beneficiaries.
Types of religious fundraising licenses
- Requesting a license to raise funds from within the Kingdom of Bahrain only
- Requesting to raise funds from outside the Kingdom of Bahrain (one request per transaction)
- Requesting to transfer funds outside the Kingdom of Bahrain (one request per transaction)
- Requesting to receive donations without a license (one request per transaction)
Purposes of religious fundraising licenses
- Care (religious centers/houses of worship)
- Building/renovating (religious facilities)
- Zakat/charity/“Khums”/religious projects
For more details, you can visit the fundraising (Arabic only) website of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf.
Content Last Updated: 26 Feb, 2023