FAQ
Quick answers before you give
We have gathered on one page the most common questions about donating, Zakat, sponsorships, refunds and privacy. Choose the right section or search for your question directly.
What are the official channels for donating?
We accept donations by credit card and Apple/Google Pay, as well as by bank transfer to the Association's two accounts at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank. Every transaction issues an electronic receipt with a reference number.
If you pay by bank transfer, please send proof of the transfer to info@almabarrah.ae or WhatsApp +971 50 789 6755.
Can I donate in someone else's name or give a donation as a gift?
Yes. Add the recipient's name when you complete your donation, and we will send an electronic gift card showing the type of project and the value of the contribution.
Can I set up a recurring monthly donation?
Yes. On the donation page, choose "Monthly donation". You can stop the subscription or change the amount at any time before the next debit date.
How do I calculate Zakat al-Mal?
Zakat al-Mal is 2.5% of zakatable wealth that has reached the Nisab and been held for a full lunar year. The calculator on the Zakat page shows the daily Nisab based on the price of silver, and calculates the amount due once you enter your assets (cash, gold, shares, trade, rental income).
For complex cases (debts, investments, companies), you can send an enquiry to the competent committee through the contact page.
Where does Zakat go?
Zakat is spent according to the eight categories of Zakat recipients set out in the Quran: the poor, the needy, those employed to administer it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, the freeing of captives, those in debt, in the cause of God, and the stranded traveller. The Association's internal approval committee determines the categories through which it actually works and the disbursement mechanism.
How much does orphan sponsorship cost each month?
Orphan sponsorship starts from AED 150 a month. It covers basic living and educational needs. Packages are available for 3, 6 and 12 months (AED 450 / 900 / 1,800).
The Association follows up on the case and sends the sponsor a periodic report in line with the approved sponsorship mechanism.
What is the difference between Sponsorship, Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah: a one-off donation that reaches humanitarian cases and approved projects.
Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity): projects whose benefit continues after the donation, such as wells, building mosques and classrooms, and Waqf.
Sponsorship: regular support (monthly or yearly) for a specific group, such as an orphan, a student or a family in quiet need, with follow-up on the case.
Can I get a refund if I entered the wrong amount?
Yes, within 7 working days of the transaction date, and before the amount is spent on the project or the beneficiary case. Contact us at info@almabarrah.ae with the transaction number, and we will review the request within 10 to 15 working days.
Zakat and designated Sadaqah that have been disbursed cannot be refunded, for institutional and contractual reasons. Details are in the Terms of use.
I was charged twice, or I did not receive a receipt. What should I do?
Send us the transaction number or a screenshot of your account statement at info@almabarrah.ae or WhatsApp +971 50 789 6755. We will match the transaction against the payment gateway and reply within one working day.
What do you do with my personal data?
We use your data only to process your donation, issue the receipt and contact you about your enquiry. We do not sell any data to any party. Full details are in the Privacy policy.
You can request that your data be deleted or amended by writing to info@almabarrah.ae.
Do you publish the names or images of beneficiaries?
No. The names, images or any identifying details of beneficiaries are not published except with explicit consent, in line with internal policies. The Association shows limited data in the donations record (type of donation, project name, value), and gives the donor the option to appear as "A well-wisher".
Is the website safe for payments?
Yes. All connections to the website are encrypted with TLS, and payments pass through approved gateways. We do not store card numbers on our servers. You will find the security badges and licence details in the website footer.
Can I use the website in English?
Yes. The main pages are in English now, and the rest are on their way. To switch language, use the switch at the top of the page, or the language button in the menu on a phone.
Is my donation deductible from income tax?
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, so there is no personal tax deduction. Companies subject to the new Corporate Tax may deduct donations to approved public benefit entities in accordance with the rules of the Federal Tax Authority. The electronic receipt shows the registration number and licence number, so that it can be submitted to the accounts department.
Did not find your answer? Contact the Association's team