Is UMMA Farm Zakat-Eligible? Everything You Need to Know Before Giving

Zakat Eligibility at UMMA Farm

One of the most common questions we receive is: "Can I pay my Zakat to UMMA Farm?"

The short answer: certain campaigns within UMMA Farm are structured to be Zakat-eligible in accordance with Islamic scholarly guidelines. These campaigns are clearly labeled on their individual pages.

UMMA Farm operates as a long-term initiative of Umma Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 86-3883211). Your Zakat contribution is tax-deductible in the United States.

Which Campaigns Accept Zakat?

Not all UMMA Farm campaigns are Zakat-eligible. The distinction depends on how the campaign's output is directed:

Zakat-eligible campaigns are those whose production is directly distributed to Zakat-eligible recipients — the poor, the needy, and other categories specified in Surah At-Tawbah 9:60.

Each campaign page on our website clearly indicates whether it accepts Zakat. If you're unsure about a specific campaign, contact our team at hello@ummafoundation.org and we'll provide guidance based on the campaign's current structure and scholarly review.

Campaigns that are primarily revenue-generating (where output is sold rather than distributed) are typically classified as Sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah rather than Zakat.

The Scholarly Basis

Zakat distribution must follow the eight categories outlined in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60). The most relevant categories for UMMA Farm's work are:

• Al-Fuqara (The Poor) — Food produced by Zakat-funded campaigns is distributed directly to families in poverty
• Al-Masakin (The Needy) — Agricultural production provides sustained nutrition to those who cannot afford adequate food
• Fi Sabilillah (In the Cause of Allah) — Some scholars include projects that serve the broader Muslim community's welfare under this category

Umma Foundation consults with Islamic scholars to ensure Zakat-eligible campaigns meet these requirements. The foundation maintains compliance oversight and clear documentation for all Zakat-designated funds.

Why Give Zakat to Agricultural Programs?

Traditional Zakat distribution provides immediate relief — food packages, cash assistance, or emergency aid. This is essential and UMMA Farm supports this approach.

But agricultural Zakat programs offer a compounding advantage: the same Zakat contribution produces food for eligible recipients year after year. A Zakat-funded livestock unit doesn't feed a family once — it produces protein continuously as animals reproduce.

This doesn't replace traditional Zakat distribution. It augments it — creating a sustainable base that supports Zakat recipients permanently rather than seasonally.

How to Give Your Zakat to UMMA Farm

• Visit the Campaigns page — Browse active campaigns and look for the Zakat-eligible label
• Choose your campaign — Select based on the type of impact you want (livestock, trees, feed production)
• Donate — All donations are processed securely through FundraiseUp
• Receive your tax receipt — Umma Foundation (Tax ID: 86-3883211) provides tax-deductible receipts for all contributions

If you have questions about Zakat eligibility or need guidance on which campaigns best match your Zakat intentions, email us at hello@ummafoundation.org — we're happy to help.