Zakat fundraiser launched for Muslim cancer patients

Dubai: The Friends of Cancer Patients Society (FoCP) has launched a zakat campaign to raise funds for Muslim cancer patients in the UAE who cannot afford treatment.

Last year 169 patients benefited from the funds raised in the drive.

Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is payable as 2.5 per cent on certain types of wealth in continuous possession for a year, if it meets a minimum threshold amount.

It is to be spent on people in certain categories, including those who are poor and those overburdened by debt.

According to a fatwa or ruling issued by the Permanent Fatwa Committee in Sharjah, it is permissible to use zakat funds to help patients who cannot afford treatment.

FoCP is a UAE-based NGO providing its cancer-specific help to all residents of the country.

The collected funds will cover all major types of cancers, including breast cancer, leukaemia, lung cancer, prostate and brain cancer.

Some of the costs covered through the initiative include medication – mainly chemotherapy and radiation costs, the cost of procedures done abroad, and the provision of prosthetic limbs and other medical equipment.

Each case is individually reviewed and approved in line with FoCP regulations and zakat rules.

Over the last 15 years, the FoCP has delivered support to 950 patients and families whose lives have been affected by cancer, along with promoting awareness about early detectable signs and symptoms.

FoCP founding member Ameerah Bin Karam said: “Zakat has been a tremendous source of hope for thousands of cancer patients in the UAE who need support to get through this life-changing illness.

“We are eternally grateful for the significant contributions received, and are appreciative of the concerned individuals and corporate houses for their generous donations to the zakat campaign, allowing us to save more lives.”

SMS donations can be made by sending “ZAKAT” to 4219 to donate Dh5, or SMS ZAKAT to 4425 to donate Dh10.

Also, contributions can be deposited directly into the FOCP’s zakat bank account: Sharjah Islamic Bank, Main Branch, Sharjah; Account name: ZAKATKM ELAJOHM; Account number: 0030364854003; IBAN number: AE890410000030364854003.