Sad to see that nonmuslims seem to have a more transparent offering (on paper at least) for international zakat than any muslim org. Besides the process though, it’s the actor that I find notable part, and I share some of the suspicions you mention in the article.
What does the UN (HCR) get for helping muslims donate zakat with no overhead? They also seem to be paying top dollar for the #1 sponsored google result for “zakat” (out of their own pocket, if we believe their claim that 100% zakat goes to recipients.)
I hope Muslims take this creepy UN offering as a way to reflect, be critical, and perhaps offer more ehsan-ic zakat offerings.
Not to criticize the work of UNHCR but they are so bloated and such a bureaucracy who spends money like they are the royal family. If you visit any country they are working in, the staff have houses or flats equipped with cooks and cleaners, they are chauffeured in bullet proof SUVs wherever they need to be, and they wine and dine in the top restaurants of the area of operation. Most of the staff are diplomats children who secured the position not based upon experience, but connections. And finally, yet most critically, they do not serve the Palestinians as they are "under UNRWAs" umbrella, who is hurting for funds and is the largest employer in occupied Palestine and the camps. UNHCR is the last place I would give my Zakat. Whoever spoke to you sold you a bill of goods. Yuck is an understatement.
I would be reluctant to hand over more control to already powerful governments that cause the refugee crisis in the first place.
I am sure people can find better options closer to their private circles who are either needy or engaged in micro charity distribution here and internationally if look hard. Perhaps increase the share of giving to them.
I prefer Country specific organizations, even better if they are domiciled in that country. Online and FX transfer apps sending money easier. This removes a large chunk of US cost.
Careful thought is required on cash handouts vs programmatic services. Cash is generally spent by male figurehead (including on smoking if not drugs), while children's and women's health and educational needs are neglected. Further, in poorer countries both education and healthcare practice are infected by malpractice and fraud. I would prefer to fund such high value service providers directly. Perhaps, the smaller the better - but there are some excellent large network service providers.
Summary, I would continue to let Muslim Charity expand and improve with better monitoring rather than surrendering to international regime of exploitation.
I recently came across your newsletter and read all the articles.I appreciate your effort in regards to Zakat use and the overhead in many organizations.iI read the article in which you ranked the different organization by their overhead expenses.The most efficient or least expensive was Baitussalam USA.Have you had a chance to look at their operations or accounting.I would appreciate if you have any information.Yiu are doing good work.
Really appreciate all the work you've done here! I guess my question to you would be - if you had say $1000 and had to donate Zakat online, how would you do it? UNHCR? IMRC? And is Islamic Relief UK demonstrably better than Islamic Relief USA (the 12.5% is a "hard" cap on expenses and other program specific expenses can't be put into the other 87.5% or am I just misunderstanding this) - so it would just be better to donate there?
Sad to see that nonmuslims seem to have a more transparent offering (on paper at least) for international zakat than any muslim org. Besides the process though, it’s the actor that I find notable part, and I share some of the suspicions you mention in the article.
What does the UN (HCR) get for helping muslims donate zakat with no overhead? They also seem to be paying top dollar for the #1 sponsored google result for “zakat” (out of their own pocket, if we believe their claim that 100% zakat goes to recipients.)
I hope Muslims take this creepy UN offering as a way to reflect, be critical, and perhaps offer more ehsan-ic zakat offerings.
Not to criticize the work of UNHCR but they are so bloated and such a bureaucracy who spends money like they are the royal family. If you visit any country they are working in, the staff have houses or flats equipped with cooks and cleaners, they are chauffeured in bullet proof SUVs wherever they need to be, and they wine and dine in the top restaurants of the area of operation. Most of the staff are diplomats children who secured the position not based upon experience, but connections. And finally, yet most critically, they do not serve the Palestinians as they are "under UNRWAs" umbrella, who is hurting for funds and is the largest employer in occupied Palestine and the camps. UNHCR is the last place I would give my Zakat. Whoever spoke to you sold you a bill of goods. Yuck is an understatement.
I would be reluctant to hand over more control to already powerful governments that cause the refugee crisis in the first place.
I am sure people can find better options closer to their private circles who are either needy or engaged in micro charity distribution here and internationally if look hard. Perhaps increase the share of giving to them.
I prefer Country specific organizations, even better if they are domiciled in that country. Online and FX transfer apps sending money easier. This removes a large chunk of US cost.
Careful thought is required on cash handouts vs programmatic services. Cash is generally spent by male figurehead (including on smoking if not drugs), while children's and women's health and educational needs are neglected. Further, in poorer countries both education and healthcare practice are infected by malpractice and fraud. I would prefer to fund such high value service providers directly. Perhaps, the smaller the better - but there are some excellent large network service providers.
Summary, I would continue to let Muslim Charity expand and improve with better monitoring rather than surrendering to international regime of exploitation.
Regards,
What are your thoughts about Obat Canada and Obat USA?
Also, may interest you:.
https://youtu.be/-6a0Yf08XYk
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/145096/he-works-in-a-foreign-country-and-sends-his-zakaah-to-his-homeland
https://islamqa.org/hanafi/seekersguidance-hanafi/86171/zakat-giving-locally-vs-abroad/
National Zakat Foundation:
https://fb.watch/jQP7tSNvgc/?mibextid=Nif5oz
I recently came across your newsletter and read all the articles.I appreciate your effort in regards to Zakat use and the overhead in many organizations.iI read the article in which you ranked the different organization by their overhead expenses.The most efficient or least expensive was Baitussalam USA.Have you had a chance to look at their operations or accounting.I would appreciate if you have any information.Yiu are doing good work.
Have you ever critiqued Helping Hand For Relief & Development? Curious about your thoughts on them
Really appreciate all the work you've done here! I guess my question to you would be - if you had say $1000 and had to donate Zakat online, how would you do it? UNHCR? IMRC? And is Islamic Relief UK demonstrably better than Islamic Relief USA (the 12.5% is a "hard" cap on expenses and other program specific expenses can't be put into the other 87.5% or am I just misunderstanding this) - so it would just be better to donate there?