Ramadan Glossary

رمضان

Ramadan

ra-ma-DAAN

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.

زكاة

Zakat (Cash Distribution)

za-KAAT

The obligatory annual charity (one of the Five Pillars of Islam), distributed as cash to eligible recipients.

صدقة

Sadaqah

sa-DA-qa

Voluntary charity given out of compassion, love, friendship, or generosity.

إفطار

Iftar

if-TAAR

The evening meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset during Ramadan.

سحور

Suhoor

su-HOOR

The pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins each day during Ramadan.

ليلة القدر

Laylatul Qadr

LAY-la-tul QA-dr

The Night of Power, the most blessed night of the year when the Quran was first revealed.

نصاب

Nisab

ni-SAAB

The minimum threshold of wealth above which Zakat becomes obligatory.

فدية

Fidya

fid-YA

A compensation paid when unable to fast due to chronic illness or old age.

كفارة

Kaffarah

kaf-FAA-ra

Expiation required for deliberately breaking a fast without valid excuse.

صدقة جارية

Sadaqah Jariyah

sa-DA-qa JAA-ri-ya

Ongoing charity that continues to benefit people long after the initial act.

Gift Aid

A UK government scheme that allows charities to reclaim tax on donations, boosting them by 25%.

وقف

Waqf

WAQF

An endowment made in the name of Allah, where the principal amount is preserved and the returns are donated.

كفالة اليتيم

Orphan Sponsorship in Islam

ka-FAA-lat al-ya-TEEM

The Islamic obligation to care for orphans, one of the most emphasised charitable acts in the Quran and Sunnah.

100% Donation Policy

A charity policy where 100% of public donations go directly to beneficiaries, with admin costs covered separately.

Hand2Hand Distribution

A direct delivery model where aid is physically handed to beneficiaries with documented proof.