Zakát Supports UAE Students' Education
Zakát and Education: A New Opportunity to Support Students in the United Arab Emirates
Education has always been one of the most effective tools for social advancement and shaping the future. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a new initiative now allows Muslim donors to direct their zakat directly towards supporting students.
The Relationship Between Zakát and Education
Zakát, one of the five pillars of Islam, is not just a mandatory charity but also a means of purifying wealth. According to the latest resolution by the Islamic Affairs authority in Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is now officially authorized to receive zakat for supporting student scholarships. This decision confirms that supporting higher education can also be a valid goal for zakat, allowing donors to fulfill their obligations while directly assisting needy students.
Why is this step important?
For many talented young people, financial difficulties pose the main barrier to continuing their education. AUS has long emphasized the importance of ensuring that talented but financially needy students do not miss out on opportunities. With zakat-based scholarships, even more young people will have the chance to receive an excellent education.
The scholarships support financially needy Muslim students participating in engineering, economics, arts, and science programs. University leaders emphasize that this new opportunity significantly contributes to increasing social mobility.
Community Support and Long-Term Effects
Members of the AUS business community have already begun channeling their zakat into the scholarship fund, strengthening the institution's commitment to the quality and accessibility of education.
"Education is crucial for individual and societal development. Using zakat for student support not only provides financial aid but also contributes to the upliftment of the community," emphasized the university chancellor.
The head of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs highlighted that scholarships have always played a fundamental role in the university’s mission. "Accepting zakat creates a new opportunity to support students and builds a deeper connection with the community," he added.
Unity for the Future
This initiative is not merely financial assistance but also a symbolic step in social responsibility. More and more institutions in the UAE recognize that the key to sustainable development lies in the education of young people. The utilization of zakat for scholarships is a clear example of how traditional charity and modern educational goals can be successfully combined.
If you, too, would like to contribute to the success of a talented student, consider directing your zakat towards supporting education – as this can not only change one person's life but also contribute to the development of an entire community.
