Frequently Ask Questions

General

MAUSA prioritizes minimizing administrative costs while maximizing the impact of your contributions. We operate in 20+ countries, collaborating with local partners to identify and address critical needs of the most vulnerable communities. After pinpointing projects, our Programs Department thoroughly reviews budgets to optimize each donor’s reach. Post-implementation, we consistently monitor and assess program effectiveness.

MAUSA works in 26 different countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Bangladesh, including Rohinya Refugees
  3. Bosnia
  4. Cambodia
  5. Ethiopia
  6. Gambia
  7. India
  8. Jammu Kashmir
  9. Pakistan
  10. Palestine
  11. Senegal
  12. Sierra Leone
  13. Somalia
  14. Sri Lanka
  15. Sudan
  16. Turkey- Uyghur and Syrian Refugees
  17. Uganda
  18. USA
  19. Yemen
  20. Chad

MAUSA primarily considers in-kind donations from institutional donors, manufacturers, and NGOs due to the cost challenges associated with individual donations. To maximize our impact and assist those in need most effectively, we encourage financial contributions. For in-kind donations, please consider supporting local organizations that can distribute items more efficiently within your community.

Yes, your donation is tax-deductible pursuant to IRC 170(c). A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to Muslim Aid USA, 1660 International Drive, Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102 USA. If you reside in one of these states, you may obtain financial information directly from the state agency. .FLORIDA: SC NO. CH36032 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE,1-800-HELP-FLA OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800.HELPFLA.COM. MARYLAND: For the cost of postage and copying, from the office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. MICHIGAN: MICS No. 54557. MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of Muslim Aid USA may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167.NEVADA: The state of incorporation of Muslim Aid USA is Virginia. NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973)504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. NEW YORK: Upon request, from the Office of the Attorney General Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.NORTH CAROLINA: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-888-830-4989 (WITHIN NORTH CAROLINA) OR (919)807-2214 ( OUTSIDE NORTH CAROLINA) PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of Muslim Aid USA may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. VIRGINIA: From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Affairs, P.O Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. WASHINGTON: From the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483. WISCONSIN: A financial statement of Muslim Aid USA assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue, and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided upon request. WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capital, Charleston, WV 25305. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF Muslim Aid USA BY THE STATE.

MAUSA ensures that your donation goes directly to the intended appeal and cause. We meticulously track and allocate donations, collaborating with local partners to address the most pressing needs on the ground. We take our checks and balances seriously to guarantee your donation’s impact.

This is our outbound donor care center. Please note, this above phone number is only used for outgoing calls and does not receive calls. To reach our donor care center please call: 866-606-2872.

Ramadan

Fidya is a compassionate gesture where, if someone can’t fast due to illness, they make a $10 daily donation to provide meals for those in need. For example, missing the entire month of Ramadan due to illness would require a $300 fidya donation ($10 x 30 days).

MAUSA has established our feed the fasting program during the month of Ramadan. Prices per package vary based on country and food prices that year. However, each Ramadan feed the fasting package will feed a family of 5-7 for the entire month of Ramadan.

Zakat ul Fitr must be paid within the month of Ramadan. The latest it can be paid is before the Eid prayer.

Orphan Sponsorship

We classify an orphan as a child under 18 without a father or both parents, or when the father’s location has been unknown for at least two years (one year for refugees and internally displaced people). Orphan status is irrespective of gender, religion, or race.

Orphans are selected according to five key criteria: vulnerability, financial need, family size, housing conditions, and health. Priority for sponsorship is given to families facing the most severe circumstances, such as larger families in greater financial struggle. Confirmation of sponsorship requires official documentation, and the selection process must be free from discrimination based on race, religion, color, age, gender, or disability.

We offer orphan sponsorships in 10 countries: Palestine, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Syrian & Uyghur Refugees in Turkey.

Our orphan sponsorship program provide varies needs per country. It may include education, medical & food.

Given the amount of orphans we sponsor we unfortunately do not allow this at this time. However, you will receive bi-annual updates regarding your orphan and their wellbeing.

You will receive bi-annual updates regarding your orphan and their wellbeing.

Zakat

Zakat is a mandatory annual payment made by eligible adult Muslims whose wealth surpasses the Nisab value over one Islamic (lunar) year. These payments are intended to aid those facing the greatest need, both within the nation and globally.

Nisab serves as the threshold for the eligibility to pay Zakat for Muslims. It is determined by two values:

  • Gold – equivalent to the monetary value of 87.48 grams of gold.
  • Silver – equivalent to the monetary value of 612.36 grams of silver.

The ever-changing values of gold and silver affect the Nisab threshold, and tools like our Zakat calculator help determine eligibility and amounts owed. To qualify for Zakat, one’s wealth must exceed the Nisab threshold for a full Islamic year, or ‘Hawl,’ lasting 354 lunar days. If your wealth drops below this threshold during the year but remains above it at the beginning and end of the Hawl, you should seek advice from your local imam.

In terms of Zakat, a Hawl means one lunar year, which is approximately 354 days long.

Yes, you have the option to pay Zakat in installments, although it is generally preferable to make a single lump-sum payment. But if you are confident that your wealth will remain stable, you can pay in advance of the due date.

Zakat, a form of charitable giving in Islam, comes with specific eligibility criteria. While husbands cannot give their Zakat to their wives since they are already responsible for their well-being, wives can contribute to their husbands’ Zakat as long as they meet certain conditions. This means that wives should not indirectly benefit from the donation, like their husbands using the funds to buy gifts for them.

The categories eligible to receive Zakat are eightfold:

  • The impoverished.
  • Those in need.
  • Zakat administrators.
  • Reconciliation of hearts.
  • Individuals in bondage or captivity.
  • People burdened with debt.
  • Those striving for the cause of Allah.
  • Travelers in need.

The responsibility to pay Zakat is not required for all Muslims; specific criteria are outlined in the Qur’an. One must have reached the age of puberty, be Muslim, possess a sound mind, be free, and maintain a positive cash or goods flow, along with personal wealth exceeding the Nisab value.

To calculate your Zakat, assess your wealth, including personal assets and cash. It’s important to note that Zakat is applicable only to assets that do not contribute to your daily living expenses. For instance, a second home in which you don’t reside should be considered in your calculations, whereas your primary residence should not be included. The same applies to vehicles: your second car, seen as a luxury, should be factored into your Zakat calculations, while your primary vehicle, considered a necessity, should not.

Eligible assets for Zakat calculation include:

  • Cash on hand, in bank accounts, or savings accounts.
  • Funds set aside for specific purposes, such as Hajj, a property deposit, or a wedding.
  • The value of gold and silver in your possession.
  • Stocks and shares in your ownership.
  • Total income generated from renting out a property you own, like a second home.
  • The value of any loans you’ve provided to others and expect to be repaid.

What not to consider when calculating Zakat:

  • Any payments due in the month you pay your Zakat.
  • Debts you owe, such as mortgage or rent payments, credit card debts, and personal loans.
  • Items like household appliances and clothing.
  • Business expenses, including bills, salaries, rents, and rates.
  • Business loans and overdrafts.

Your Zakat is due once your wealth surpasses the Nisab threshold for a full Islamic year, calculated on the day of payment. The month of Ramadan is a favored time, with Allah multiplying blessings for giving. However, you can pay Zakat at any time during the year if your wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold for a lunar year. Remember, this is distinct from Zakat al-Fitr, or Fitrana, which must be paid during Ramadan before the Eid prayers.

MAUSA aligns with the consensus of scholars, designating zakat collectors as one of eight legitimate beneficiaries. Under our Zakat policy, we can allocate up to 12.5% of zakat-specific fund donations for core functions, covering administration and operations. This means that 87.5% directly benefits those in need, while 12.5% is earmarked for MAUSA’s administrative needs.

Zakat and Zakat-Al-Fitr differ in their timing and intent. Zakat-Al-Fitr, observed exclusively during Ramadan before Eid, typically involves food donations. In the US, Muslim Aid accepts cash contributions of $10 per person to provide food assistance to those in need.

Zakat al-Fitr should be paid on behalf of everyone in the family.

It should be paid before Eid prayer (or any day during Ramadan).

Qurbani

MAUSA carries out your Qurbani sacrifice with a variety of different animals. The animals are different per country — they may range from a cow, sheep or a goat.

MAUSA works with local partners on the ground to determine who is in greatest need to receive the Qurbani meat. They are contacted in advance and based on their location, they may either pick up the Qurbani meat at a convenient central location or it is hand delivered to their homes — especially for those who are elderly and disabled.

Once the Qurbani meat has been slaughtered, it is distributed to the needy families the same day.

MAUSA recognizes the different school of thought (fiqh) in the Islamic tradition, and welcomes all to fulfill their religious right as they see fit.

We allow for Qurbani donations up until the third day of Eid al-Adha. We prepare the animals and plan six months ahead of time. We do not take more donations than what we have prepared for, so your Qurbani sacrifice will be carried out on time.

Aqiqah

Aqiqah is a celebration of gratitude given by parents or guardians after a child’s birth. It is most preferred on the seventh day after the child’s birth, with flexibility on the 14th or 21st. At MAUSA, we align Aqiqah sacrifices with your preferences. The baby’s hair is shaved, and the sadaqah calculated is based on the daily silver rate.

MAUSA performs Aqiqah in Ethiopia.

Following your donation, your Aqiqah request typically takes about two weeks to be fulfilled. Once the request is made, we ensure the Aqiqah is performed within two weeks, and our donor care team will update you upon completion.

Water Wells

It takes approximately 9-12 months for a well to be completed.

MAUSA works with many different types of wells, including shallow wells, community/school wells, mega wells, solar-powered wells, and hand pump wells. The type of well is selected based on the terrain and landscape.

Every well is different. The wells on average serve the following:

  • Hand-pump wells on average serve:
  • Mega wells on average serve:
  • Community/school wells on average serve:
  • Solar-powered wells on average serve:
  • Shallow wells on average serve:

MAUSA implements water wells in Yemen, Pakistan, Uganda, Ethiopia, India and Cambodia.

Every well is different. Some wells may last for only 10 years whereas solar-powered wells last for decades and will continue to run as long as they are regularly maintained.

Yes, you will be notified along the way and upon completion! You’ll receive immediate confirmation upon donation, another update a month after when the well is arranged, a notification three months after we break ground, and finally, a completion packet when the well is completed.

MAUSA will provide photos of your well along with coordinates and a complete progress report.