Managing Charity & Dues
A third core function of I.M.A.M., and one of the most requested by the North American community, is the Managing of Charity & Dues, specifically:
- Accepting Khums and other religious dues
- Assisting Islamic Institutions in obtaining permission for accepting and utilizing Khums
- Distribution of charity and dues for religious needs and development in the North American community
Charity & Dues – Online Resources:
Charity & Dues – An Overview
Paying Charity & Dues
I.M.A.M., the official liaison office of the grand authority in the holy city of Najaf, offers a fast, simple, and secure way for the faithful to pay their religious dues online, from the comfort of their home. Donors are immediately provided with an official religious receipt, which satisfies the Islamic criteria and absolves the contributor of any further religious responsibility.
Presently, I.M.A.M. manages charity and dues associated with the following:
General Donations
A highly recommended and favored kind of worship is a donation that is given in the sake of Allah. Since donations are optional, not mandatory, they are used to serve the general needs of Islam and Muslims. Click here to learn more.
Khums (including allocations to authorized organizations and causes)
Khums is an Islamic income tax, which is 1/5 (20%) of the remaining of yearly income, after all legitimate expenses have been paid. Click here to learn more.
My Orphans – Khums Donation
For those individuals who wish to allocate their khums contributions toward Orphan causes in the United States and obtain the required religious receipt. Click here to learn more.
Feeding the Fasting
Everyone is invited to provide iftar for local needy people who are fasting in the blessed month of Ramadhan. You can provide a full meal to a needy fasting person who is otherwise not able to provide iftar for themselves, and earn spiritual rewards. Click here to learn more.
Fidyah
Fidyah is with regards to fasting only. It is a form of compensation for not being able to fast during the holy month of Ramadhan, due to illness or pregnancy, by feeding needy persons. Click here to learn more.
Kaffarah (for oath and fasting)
A penalty for one’s sins that applies to the breaking of one’s oath or alternatively for the intentional breaking of one’s fast during the holy month of Ramadhan without a valid reason. Click here to learn more.
Nather
A promise made to God that an act (i.e. prayer of thanks, giving a donation or paying a specified sum of money, holding a religious celebration, or basically anything pertaining to a religious matter) will be performed or fulfilled if one receives what he or she has wished for. Click here to learn more.
Sadaqah
Sadaqah is a charity that is given to rid and keep away evil and mishaps, for curing of the sick, for blessings and good fortune, it is generally given to the poor or anyone in need. It is a highly recommended act in Islam. Click here to learn more.
Zakat
According to the Ahl al-bayt school of thought, zakat is required to be paid by farmers who grow wheat, barley, dates, and raisins above certain amounts, and by farmers who raise more than a certain number of camels, cows, sheep, and goats. Click here to learn more.
Zakat al-Fitrah
This type of Zakat should be set aside on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and paid on the day itself, which marks the end of the Month of Ramadhan and is the first day of the month of Shawwal. Click here to learn more.Rad al-Madhalim
Seizing or using the property of another person without their permission is considered a usurpation (ghasb). Therefore, it is obligatory for the usurper to repent to God and to restore or reimburse what they have usurped to the rightful owner. Click here to learn more.
For more information on making a charitable donation or paying religious dues, click here.
Applying for Financial Assistance
I.M.A.M. provides aid in the form of limited grants to secure basic needs such as food, clothing, medicine, and vital utilities for individuals and/or their families.
Presently, I.M.A.M. is able to offer financial assistance to Muslims, living in the United States, who are in need and considered the head of his or her household. Non Muslim individuals in need will be supported in cases of emergencies or special circumstances. For more information about obtaining financial assistance from I.M.A.M., click here.
Viewing and Locating Khums Authorized Organizations
Believers are encouraged to support their local Islamic centers. These institutions serve and educate communities across North America. To this end, I.M.A.M. offers a helpful tool to view and or locate Khums authorized organizations throughout the United States and Canada. Upon locating a center, khums payments made through I.M.A.M. may be allocated to an authorized organization of your choosing.
To view/locate a khums authorized organization near you click here
Applying for Khums Authorization (Qualifying non-profits only)
I.M.A.M. also has special permission from the religious authority to grant authorization (in writing) to Islamic centers and organizations to collect khums. Upon successful consideration of the khums authorization application, the applying Islamic center or organization would also be added to I.M.A.M.’s list (mentioned above).
For more information on how to apply for khums authorization, click here.
Financial Assistance for Shia Non-Profit Organizations in the United States
Shia Muslim Institutions that wish to request financial assistance may do so by completing the required form and submitting the necessary supporting documents.
For more information on how to apply for financial assistance for Shia Non-Profit Organizations, click here.