NATIONAL ZAKAT AND WAQF DAY
From Nigeria to the World: A Call for World Zakat and Waqf Day
Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Waqf Foundation is calling for the establishment of a World Zakat and Waqf Day as a global platform for promoting Zakat and Waqf as instruments for poverty reduction, human dignity, economic empowerment and sustainable development.
From Al-Habibiyyah to a National Movement
The journey began in Sha‘ban 2021, when the Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Waqf Foundation commenced the Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Waqf Day in Nigeria.
The initiative was created to increase public understanding of Zakat and Waqf, encourage responsible giving, promote transparency and accountability, mobilise Waqf assets and demonstrate how Islamic social finance can address poverty and support sustainable development.
A major milestone was reached in 2026, when the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON) adopted the initiative and expanded it into National Zakat and Waqf Week.
This development represents an important transition from an Al-Habibiyyah initiative to a broader national platform involving Zakat and Waqf stakeholders across Nigeria.
The Next Step: World Zakat and Waqf Day
Building on this progress, Al-Habibiyyah proposes the establishment of:
WORLD ZAKAT AND WAQF DAY
Proposed Date: Second Saturday of Sha‘ban Every Year
Sha‘ban is particularly appropriate because it immediately precedes Ramadan, when Muslims increase worship, charity and support for vulnerable people.
The Day would provide an opportunity before Ramadan for Muslims to:
- Calculate and prepare their Zakat;
- Identify credible Zakat institutions and eligible beneficiaries;
- Establish new Waqf and strengthen existing ones;
- Mobilise resources for poverty reduction and empowerment;
- Publish Zakat and Waqf reports; and
- Prepare sustainable Ramadan interventions.
Allah says:
﴿إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا...﴾
"Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it..."
Qur'an 9:60
Zakat addresses immediate needs, while Waqf provides a foundation for long-term development. Together, they can support education, healthcare, livelihoods, social protection and economic empowerment.
From Mustahiq to Muzakki
The ultimate vision should go beyond distributing assistance. Islamic social finance should help capable beneficiaries progress:
From Mustahiq to Muzakki — From Recipient to Contributor.
This requires skills development, education, entrepreneurship, access to productive assets and professionally managed Waqf institutions.
World Zakat and Waqf Day should therefore be a Day of Action and Accountability, when institutions report measurable results: Zakat collected and distributed, beneficiaries empowered, Waqf established, dormant assets made productive and livelihoods created.
From Abuja to the World
The journey demonstrates how a local initiative can grow:
2021 — Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Waqf Foundation commenced Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Waqf Day.
2026 — AZAWON adopted the initiative and expanded it into National Zakat and Waqf Week.
The Next Step — World Zakat and Waqf Day.
Al-Habibiyyah therefore calls on governments, international Islamic organisations, Zakat and Waqf institutions, Islamic financial institutions, scholars, universities, development partners, philanthropists and civil society organisations to begin discussions toward international recognition of:
WORLD ZAKAT AND WAQF DAY
Second Saturday of Sha‘ban — Every Year
Purify Wealth. Restore Dignity. Build for Generations.
An initiative of Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Waqf Foundation, Nigeria.