Pay your Zakat by supporting UAE's biggest food distribution drive

Muslims can offer Zakat by purchasing meals or providing food parcels to disadvantaged communities through the just-launched '10 million meals' campaign, Dubai's Grand Mufti has said.
Dr Ahmed Al Haddad, who is also the director of the fatwa department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, said: "Zakat can be paid to those affected by the current conditions in the form of food or meals as it fulfills one of the Sharia principles to help the needy."
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had launched the 10 million meals campaign - the nation's biggest food distribution drive - on Sunday to provide food support for those affected by Covid-19. The campaign will be led by his wife, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank.
He urged people across the UAE to support the campaign that will reach families and labourers affected by Covid-19. "Vulnerable communities are in critical need for food to maintain their health during their stay at home in this unprecedented crisis," said Al Haddad.
He noted that providing food as a form of Zakat during the holy month of Ramadan is particularly important this year as it ensures food security for those in need.
Guaranteed food delivery
Al Haddad said the campaign guarantees the delivery of food to the homes of the beneficiaries. "Meals will reach only those in dire need for food, after losing their income during these exceptional circumstances."
He added that supporting the Ramadan campaign counts as providing food for those fasting and gives the same deeds or rewards of the person fasting. "Providing meals this year fulfills the Zakat, feeds those fasting and helps the needy," Al Haddad said.
The UAE Food Bank, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, and UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) will carry out the 10 million meals campaign in collaboration with ministries, federal and local entities and humanitarian and charitable organisations in the UAE.
10m meals drive: All you need to know
The '10 million meals' campaign brings together entities, companies, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, as well as the general public to make financial or in-kind donations to provide food support for those affected by Covid-19. Companies and individuals can:
>Purchase a number of meals online on www.10millionmeals.ae
>Donate packaged and canned food supplies by calling the team on 8004006
>Donate through SMS (Etisalat and Du) to numbers listed on the website.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com 

• Ramadan 2021