Ramadan is when most Australian Muslims give, and giving locally in Sydney is one of the most direct ways to make it count. Here are the practical options, from zakat and Zakat al-Fitr through to volunteering time rather than money.
Work out your zakat properly
Many people use Ramadan as their annual zakat date, both for the emphasis on good deeds in the month and because it is easy to remember. If that is you, set aside twenty minutes early in the month rather than rushing it in the last week. Our guides cover how to calculate zakat and when it is due.
Calculating early also gives a charity time to distribute it well, rather than receiving a surge in the final days.
Do not forget Zakat al-Fitr
Separate from annual zakat, Zakat al-Fitr is paid for every member of the household, including children, and must reach recipients before the Eid prayer. Paying in the last days of Ramadan is common and gives time for distribution. Leaving it to Eid morning is cutting it fine.
Give locally as well as overseas
Most Ramadan appeals point overseas, and that work matters. It is worth remembering there are families in Sydney who will spend Ramadan without a working fridge, or in a home with no beds. Splitting your giving between local and international causes is a reasonable approach, and our article on giving zakat locally explains the reasoning.
Give time, not only money
- Warehouse volunteering. Sorting and packing essentials for families, with no experience needed.
- Homeless outreach. Our Clothe the Homeless runs continue through Ramadan.
- Bring others. A group shift with family or colleagues is an easy way to involve people who would not think to volunteer alone.
Fasting while doing physical work is demanding, so plan a shift accordingly, and there is no shame in choosing lighter tasks.
Spread it across the month
Charities receive a large share of annual income in a few days at the end of Ramadan, which is difficult to plan around. Giving smaller amounts across the month, or setting up a recurring donation that continues afterward, is more useful than a single large gift on the twenty-seventh night.
Need in Sydney does not follow the Islamic calendar. Families need help in the quiet months too.
Frequently asked questions
When does Ramadan start?
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and begins roughly eleven days earlier each year, with the exact start confirmed by moon sighting. Check with your local mosque for confirmed dates.
Should I pay my zakat during Ramadan?
You may, and many people do because the month is spiritually emphasised and easy to remember. Zakat is technically due on your own lunar anniversary, whenever that falls.
What is the difference between zakat and Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat is 2.5% of wealth above nisab paid annually. Zakat al-Fitr is a smaller amount paid for every member of the household before the Eid prayer. They are separate obligations.
Can I volunteer while fasting?
Yes, though physical work is more demanding while fasting. Plan shift timing sensibly and choose lighter tasks if needed.
Is it better to give all at once or spread it out?
Spreading donations across the month helps charities plan, since a large share of annual giving arrives in the final days of Ramadan. Recurring donations that continue afterward are especially valuable.
This article is general information about a point of Islamic practice, not a religious ruling. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.
Support the work behind this article
House of Sadaqa is a registered Australian charity helping local families in crisis with household essentials, whitegoods and emergency relief. There are three direct ways to be part of it:
- Donate, with donations over $2 tax-deductible
- Volunteer your time in the warehouse, on outreach runs, or at events
- Clear a NSW fine through a Work and Development Order
You can also support us without donating a cent, simply by choosing one of our social enterprises. Each one puts its profits back into supporting families:
- Goodwill Connect, NBN internet for Greater Sydney
- Panda Paper, premium bamboo toilet paper delivered to your door
- The Goodwill Laundry, self-serve laundry in Bankstown
- The Goodwill Shop, our op-shops in Revesby and Bankstown