Zakat Donation To SteppingStones Charity

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious obligation that holds profound spiritual and social significance. It is more than just a donation — it is a duty for every eligible Muslim to purify their wealth by sharing a portion with those in need. At SteppingStones Charity, we ensure your Zakat is distributed responsibly and reaches some of the most under-served communities in the world — especially in South America, where few Muslim charities operate.

What Is Zakat?

Zakat, meaning ‘purification’ and ‘growth’, is a compulsory act of charity prescribed by Allah (SWT) to all eligible Muslims. It is due on specific types of wealth such as savings, gold and silver, business assets, and agricultural produce — typically calculated as 2.5% of one’s qualifying wealth held for a full lunar year.

Unlike voluntary charity, Zakat is not optional. It is a right that the poor and needy hold over the wealthy, as stated in the Qur’an:

“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.”
 (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:110)

Who Is Eligible to Receive Zakat?

According to Islamic teachings, Zakat can only be distributed to the eight eligible categories mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60). These include:

  • The poor (al-fuqara)
  • The needy (al-masakin)
  • Those employed to collect Zakat
  • Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
  • To free those in bondage
  • Those in debt
  • In the cause of Allah
  • The wayfarer (travellers in need)

At SteppingStones Charity, we ensure your Zakat is distributed strictly in accordance with these guidelines, with a clear focus on vulnerable people across South America.

Why Give Your Zakat Through SteppingStones Charity?

SteppingStones Charity is committed to transparency, accountability, and effective Zakat distribution. What makes us unique is our dedicated work in South America, a region often neglected by Muslim charities. Many families in countries such as Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru live in extreme poverty, yet receive little to no charitable assistance from the global Muslim community.

By giving your Zakat through us, you are helping deliver food, clean water, healthcare, and education to those who would otherwise be forgotten.

How Is Zakat Used at SteppingStones Charity?

Your Zakat donation helps fund a range of life-changing projects that directly benefit the most vulnerable:

Food Distribution

We provide regular food packs to impoverished families who struggle to afford even basic meals. Your Zakat helps feed the hungry and gives families hope.

Medical Aid

Access to healthcare is limited or non-existent for many communities in South America. Your Zakat can provide life-saving treatments, medicines, and access to clinics.

Clean Water Projects

Many areas still rely on unsafe water sources. Your Zakat helps fund the construction of clean water systems such as wells and filtration units.

Educational Support

We provide educational supplies, teacher salaries, and school renovations to ensure children can break the cycle of poverty through learning.

Emergency Relief

In times of crisis — such as natural disasters or economic collapses — your Zakat enables us to act quickly and support those affected.

Zakat Calculator – Make It Easy to Give

Not sure how much Zakat you need to pay? Use our simple Zakat Calculator on https://www.steppingstonescharity.org/zakat-calculator/ to work out your amount accurately. You’ll need to input your cash savings, gold, silver, investments, and other applicable assets.

Difference Between Zakat and Other Forms of Charity

It’s important to understand that Zakat is distinct from Sadaqah or Lillah:

  • Zakat: Obligatory; must be distributed to the eight eligible categories.
  • Sadaqah: Voluntary charity; can be given any time, to anyone.
  • Lillah: Also voluntary; given solely for the sake of Allah to support general causes.
  • Sadaqah Jariyah: Ongoing charity that continues to benefit long after it’s given, such as a water well or school.

To learn more, visit our dedicated Types of Sadaqah page for detailed explanations.

Qur’an and Hadith on Zakat

Allah (SWT) emphasises the importance of Zakat in several verses of the Qur’an:

“Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.”
 (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)

And the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
 “Whoever pays the Zakat on his wealth will have its evil removed from him.”
 (Sahih Ibn Majah)

Zakat FAQ

Q: Can I give Zakat to non-Muslims?
 A: No, Zakat must be given to eligible Muslims as outlined in the Qur’an.

Q: Can I specify which project my Zakat goes to?
 A: Yes, you can indicate whether you’d like your Zakat to be used for food aid, healthcare, water projects, or emergency relief.

Q: Is Zakat due on my pension or house?
 A: Zakat is not due on your personal home or pension until funds are accessible. Please use our calculator for detailed help.

Make Your Zakat Donation Today

Your Zakat is more than a financial obligation — it’s a means to purify your wealth and draw closer to Allah (SWT). At SteppingStones Charity, your Zakat is a lifeline to vulnerable families in South America, helping them access the essentials of life and rebuild their futures.

Visit www.steppingstonescharity.org to calculate and donate your Zakat securely.

Donate now and fulfil your Islamic duty with confidence.