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Zakat Eligibility

MY Project USA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. We serve local refugees, orphans, victims of abuse and other needy and poor neighbors in the Columbus area in Ohio. We are Zakat-eligible because it falls into six of the eight categories of Zakat as commanded by Allah SWT in the following verse of Quran.

 

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect (zakah) and for bringing hearts together (for Islam) and for freeing captives (or slaves) and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the (stranded) traveler – and obligation (imposed) by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Quran 9:60)

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*Zakat funds are used ONLY for zakat eligible initiatives and individuals*

MY Project USA Meets 6 Out Of 8 Criteria: 

  1. Categories No. 1 & 2: “for poor and for the needy” – This applies because we are helping poor local and refugee Muslim families.

  2. Category No. 4: “bringing hearts together” – This applies because we serve all needy people regardless of their faith, ethnicity or race. We also work with individuals that are attracted to Islam and Muslims and prefer working with us to learn more.

  3. Category No. 5: “freeing captives” – This applies because we are addressing human trafficking, the modern day slavery, prevention and intervention. Our focus is to free sex slaves from bondage and help them reestablish a life of their own.

  4. Category No. 6: “paying the debt” – This applies because we take care of families, single moms and family violence victims dealing with debts and financial instability.​

  5. Category No. 7: “the cause of Allah” – This applies because we are protecting and empowering Muslim youth and families in America. Through our work, we are addressing drugs, gangs, violence, suicides, radicalization, homelessness and hunger through capacity-building of the individuals and the community. Through the documentation and publicity of our work, we week to address Islamophobia as well. Our goal is to preserve Islam and Muslim communities in America at its best.

7 Ways to Make an Impact: 

  1. Sustain the Mission – Strengthen the foundation that serves vulnerable families.

  2. Food Pantry & Community Café – Provide groceries and hot meals to those in need.

  3. Empower Youth – Support mentorship, education, and prevention programs.

  4. Uplift Families in Crisis – Assist with rent, utilities, and emergency relief.

  5. Healthcare Access – Provide free medical care through the Hilltop Free Clinic.

  6. Support Survivors – Help survivors of trafficking and domestic violence rebuild safely.

  7. Job Training & Education – Fund ESL, parent education, and employment support for long-term

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