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Can I still donate to non-Muslim charities as a Muslim?

By · 2 min read
Phone donation
Photo: JeanHavoc, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Yes, for voluntary charity. Giving sadaqah to a food bank, hospital, homeless shelter, disaster appeal or medical research charity is rewarded, whoever runs it. Just avoid charities whose work involves something Islam forbids. Your zakat is different: it should go through channels that deliver it to eligible Muslims.

Good is good

Helping people in need is rewarded regardless of who organizes it or who benefits. The Quran reminds believers that their giving is ultimately for Allah, and He will repay it in full:

۞ لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَىٰهُمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ٱبْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ "Not upon you, [O Muhammad], is [responsibility for] their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the face [i.e., approval] of Allah. And whatever you spend of good - it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged." Quran 2:272

Scholars mention that this verse was revealed when some Muslims hesitated to give charity to non-Muslim relatives. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said there is a reward for kindness to every living being (Sahih al-Bukhari 2363). Many converts continue supporting causes they cared about before Islam, and that's fine.

What to check

  • The cause itself: food, shelter, healthcare, education, clean water, disaster relief and research are all good.
  • Avoid charities that fund things contrary to Islam, for example promoting alcohol or gambling, or using donations mainly for missionary work.
  • Fundraising methods: avoid raffles and lotteries. See Can I still buy lottery tickets as a Muslim?
  • Transparency: registered charities with published accounts.

Zakat is different

Most scholars say zakat is for Muslims in specific categories, and it must reach eligible people. General charities don't usually separate zakat or check recipients, so they're not suitable for it. Use a Muslim charity with a zakat fund, or give directly. See Can I give zakat to non-Muslims? and How do I choose a trustworthy charity for my zakat?

Volunteering together

Volunteering at a local food bank or shelter alongside people of other faiths is a beautiful way to live Islam's values, build bridges and earn reward. See Does volunteering count as charity in Islam?

Key points
  • Sadaqah to non-Muslim charities is allowed.
  • The cause should be good and halal.
  • Avoid raffles and haram fundraising.
  • Zakat should go through eligible channels.
Tip: Food banks and homeless shelters often need volunteers and non-perishable food as much as money. A bag of groceries is a simple, halal sadaqah.

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