The Aafiyah Project’s Ansar al-Nisa or 'helpers of the women' program is a compassionate initiative dedicated to supporting women in need through charity, including general sadaqah and zakat. Rooted in the principles of justice, empathy, and community, this program aims to uplift underserved women by addressing their critical needs while empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Sadaqah (Arabic: صدقة) in Islam refers to voluntary charity given out of compassion, love, friendship, or generosity. It is NOT an obligatory form of almsgiving.
Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and refers to the obligatory almsgiving that every eligible Muslim must pay annually. It is both a form of worship and a means of wealth purification — the term “zakat” itself comes from the Arabic root meaning “to purify” or “to grow.” The Zakat rate is 2.5% of one’s savings and wealth held for a full lunar year (Nisab).
Use the Penny Appeal Zakat Calculator below to help calculate your Zakat.
إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِينَ وَفِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
As-Sadaqat (specifically Zakat) are only for the Fuqara' (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything or stranded); an obligation [imposed] by Allah.
And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.
Surah At-Tawbah (9): 60
Objective
As part of our mission to foster a legacy of health and wellness, Ansar al-Nisa raises funds (through sadaqah and zakat donations) to provide essential resources and support to women facing challenges such as poverty, health disparities, and social inequities. Donations to this program are disbursed to women who are zakat-eligible, ensuring that your contributions are distributed in accordance with Islamic principles and directly benefit those in need.
Who Qualifies for
ZAKAT?
We align our charitable efforts with the 8 categories of recipients outlined in the Qur’an [Surah At-Tawbah (9): 60]:
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The Poor (Al-Fuqara): Those struggling to meet basic needs.
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The Needy (Al-Masakin): Those in extreme hardship or poverty.
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Zakat Administrators: Individuals managing and distributing zakat funds.
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Those Whose Hearts Are to Be Reconciled: Converts to Islam or others in need of support to strengthen their faith.
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Those in Bondage: Individuals seeking freedom from slavery or oppressive debts.
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Those in Debt (Al-Gharimin): People burdened by legitimate debts they cannot repay.
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In the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabili'llah): Efforts that serve the community, including education, health, and protection.
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The Wayfarer: Travelers in need or those stranded away from home.
How to Apply
The Application Form should be completed by the individual seeking Zakat support through the program. If the applicant requires assistance due to language barriers, physical limitations, or other valid reasons, a trusted representative may help complete the form. All information, however, must be truthful, accurately reflecting the applicant’s circumstances.
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If you are nominating someone else for support, please complete the Nomination Form below.
The Nomination Form should be completed by a nominator—someone who is recommending an individual for Zakat support through the program. The nominator should have personal knowledge of the nominee’s circumstances and be able to provide truthful information.
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If you are the person in need of assistance, please complete the Zakat Application Form above.
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Through Ansar al-Nisa, your contributions will go directly toward addressing eligible needs listed below, focusing especially on women who fall within the outlined categories.
Together, we can create a profound impact and help women in our community achieve stability, dignity, and wellness. Support the Ansar al-Nisa program today and be a part of fostering hope and empowerment for women.
How Ansar al-Nisa Allocates Zakat Funds
Zakat funds for Ansar al-Nisa are thoughtfully distributed to meet the immediate and essential needs of underserved women in our community. Based on past experiences, these funds have been a lifeline for poor and needy women, providing critical financial support to help them care for their families and maintain their dignity.
Zakat Funds are generally distributed based on the availability of funds throughout the year. During the month of Ramaďan, however, we aim to distribute collected Zakat funds between the first and the twenty eight day of Ramaďan as some donors prefer that their Zakat funds be disbursed during the holy month.
Identifying Women in Need
Identifying women in need for the Ansar al-Nisa program requires a structured and compassionate approach to ensure that zakat and charitable funds reach those who need them most.
Below are the steps taken by The Aafiyah Project's Board of Directors. By following these steps, we can effectively identify and assist women in need, ensuring that support is provided with compassion, dignity, and integrity.
1. We Set Clear Eligibility Criteria by:
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Following the aforementioned eight eligible categories of zakat recipients, ensuring compliance with Shariah principles.
• Prioritizing women who are:
• widowed or single mothers struggling financially.
• experiencing homelessness.
• unemployed or underemployed with dependents.
• facing medical hardships with limited financial support.
• refugees, recent immigrants, or asylum seekers in need of assistance.
2. We Partnership with Local Masajid & Community Organizations by:
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Working with Imams, community leaders, and masjid committees to identify women in need.
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Establishing a referral system where trusted community members can recommend/nominate individuals for support using the Ansar al-Nisa Nomination Form.
3. We Conduct a Confidential Application Process by:
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Utilizing the Ansar al-Nisa Application Form to captures necessary details while maintaining dignity and privacy.
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Collecting information on pertinent questions such as financial situation, family size, medical needs, and employment status.
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Ensuring easy access to the application through an online form.
4. We Carry Out Community Outreach by:
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Hosting informational sessions at local masajid, community centers, and women’s groups to spread awareness.
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Using social media, WhatsApp groups, and flyers to reach a broader audience.
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Encouraging word-of-mouth referrals from trusted women’s networks.
5. We Assess and Verify Needs Respectfully by:
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Conducting confidential interviews with applicants, ensuring a non-judgmental and empathetic approach.
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Where appropriate, requesting supporting documents (e.g., income verification, medical bills) while maintaining discretion and respect.
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Forming a women-led review committee to evaluate applications fairly and consistently.
6. We Provide Immediate & Long-Term Support by:
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For urgent cases, offering emergency assistance (e.g., groceries, rent, medical support).
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Connecting women with long-term resources such as job training, financial literacy programs, and mental health support.
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Fostering a supportive community by offering mentorship and check-ins for ongoing empowerment.
7. We Maintain Transparency & Confidentiality by:
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Ensuring that all recipient information remains confidential to protect dignity.
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Regularly review the impact of the program and adjust outreach efforts as needed.
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Keeping donors informed about how funds are being distributed while respecting recipient privacy.
Key Areas of Support
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Groceries and Basic Needs: Many women use zakat funds to purchase food and household essentials, ensuring their families have access to nutritious meals and daily necessities.
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Clothing: Funds help women provide their families with appropriate clothing for various seasons, school uniforms for their children, and attire for professional or community engagement.
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Health and Medical Costs: Zakat funds are often used to cover healthcare-related expenses, such as doctor visits, prescription medications, or essential treatments, particularly for families without adequate insurance coverage.
Through the Ansar al-Nisa program, your zakat contributions directly impact the lives of women in need, offering them the tools to navigate challenging circumstances while fostering a legacy of empowerment, health, and well-being.
Your generosity transforms lives. Donate today to help us continue this vital work.
2024 Zakat program sponsored by Penny Appeal USA
Donation Giving Levels for Ansar al-Nisa
Your contributions to Ansar al-Nisa directly support underserved women and their families. Below are suggested giving levels and examples of the impact your donation can have:
Giving Levels
$25 – Essentials Supporter
•Provides groceries for a family for a few days, ensuring access to nutritious meals.
$50 – Wellness Partner
•Covers basic healthcare needs, such as a doctor’s visit or essential medications for a mother or child.
$100 – Dignity Provider
•Helps purchase seasonal clothing for women and children, including school uniforms or work attire.
$250 – Stability Builder
•Covers a month’s worth of groceries or household essentials for a family in need.
$500 – Health Champion
•Contributes to significant medical expenses, such as dental work, specialist visits, or ongoing prescriptions for chronic conditions.
$1,000 – Empowerment Advocate
•Supports multiple families by addressing their critical needs, such as food, clothing, and medical care, for an extended period.
Custom Amount – Legacy Giver
•Any amount you give helps create a ripple effect, fostering empowerment and wellness for women and their families.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. By giving, you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to uplifting women and restoring hope.
Donate today and be a Helper of the Women!
