Zakat Centre India (ZCI) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to poverty alleviation and social welfare through efficient utilisation of Zakat and charitable resources. Its mission is to uplift the most marginalised sections of Muslims in India by focusing on education, healthcare, livelihood, and community empowerment. It aims to promote long-term economic stability and self-reliance among the poorest and farthest-reaching families in the country.
Highlighting the remarkable progress and impact ZCI has achieved in just three years since its inception, Abdul Jabbar Siddiqui, Secretary, ZCI, on the occasion of the release of ZCI’s annual report 2024, stated, “With the grace of Allah and the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries, ZCI has transformed the lives of nearly 5,000 individuals, empowering them to achieve financial independence and self-reliance. Since its establishment in 2022, ZCI has expanded its presence to over 20 cities across 11 states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, among others. This pan-India presence has enabled us to reach the most deserving communities and provide them with the support they need to break the cycle of poverty. In 2024 alone, ZCI collected approximately `6.2 crore in Zakat funds, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. Nearly 100% of these funds were disbursed to beneficiaries, with only a minimal portion allocated to technical and administrative expenses. This reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources.”
Mr Siddiqui further informed that “ZCI’s initiatives have focused on three key areas: livelihood support, education, and social welfare. Over the past three years, Zakat donors, with the help of ZCI, have supported over 4,923 individuals. The impact of these efforts has been profound, as evidenced by the feedback we receive from beneficiaries. It gives us immense satisfaction that three months after receiving financial assistance, beneficiaries are asked to rate the impact of ZCI’s support on their lives. On average, recipients rated the following: 94.8% (4.74/5) for feeling closer to the Muslim community, 93.6% (4.68/5) for increased faith and 92.6% (4.63/5) for improved financial stability. These numbers underscore the transformative power of Zakat and the importance of collective efforts in addressing socio-economic challenges.”
Elaborating on ZCI’s focus on productive schemes, the ZCI Secretary stated,“We emphasise the use of Zakat funds in productive schemes rather than consumptive ones. This approach ensures that beneficiaries are not only provided with immediate relief but are also equipped with the tools and resources they need to achieve long-term financial independence. In 2024, ZCI disbursed Zakat funds as follows: 63% for livelihood support, 18% for masawat (ration, pension, and health), 13% for skills development and education, and 6% for administrative and technical expenses. This allocation reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable impact and empowering individuals to become self-reliant. ZCI’s efforts have reached beneficiaries across India, with the highest number of individuals supported in Maharashtra (1,050 beneficiaries), followed by Madhya Pradesh (418) and Bihar (258). Our presence in rural and urban areas ensures that we can address the diverse needs of the community.”
Talking about the work remaining to be done and ZCI’s vision for the future, Mr Siddiqui said, “It is estimated that while one lakh crore rupees should be collected as Zakat from Indian Muslims, only around 30 thousand crore rupees are currently being collected. This gap highlights the need for greater awareness and engagement within the community. ZCI’s vision is to expand its efforts to 240 zones, covering 67% of the Muslim population in India. With the continued support of the community, we are confident that we can achieve this goal and create a poverty-free, self-reliant Ummah. We urge all Muslims to fulfil their religious obligation of Zakat and contribute to this noble cause. Together, we can make a difference and transform lives. For further details or inquiries, interested individuals can visit our website at zakatcenterindia.org or contact at +91-8920221894 or via email at [email protected].”