Assalamu Alaykum (Peace be upon you) and Ramadan Mubarak!

I pray that this letter finds you in the best of health and Iman. As we enter Ramadan, we pray for a blessed month and the opportunity to strengthen our hearts through fasting, praying and charity. Despite American Muslims continuing to face challenges in the areas of civil rights, Islamophobia, immigration, and so much more, we are even more committed in this blessed month to stand up to hate, injustice and inequality. As we prepare for Ramadan, it is important to remember what this time means. This month of spiritual reflection, improvement and empathy for the least of us represents:

Our Faith, as we commit ourselves to freely and proudly practice our religion
Our Community, as we care for our neighbors as much as we do for our families
Our Pursuit for Justice, our faith and our connection to our community should propel us to think about those who are less fortunate in terms of actions and charity and strive for fairness and equality
CAIR-LA has and will remain dedicated and steadfast in its mission to empower American Muslims and to stand with them in their pursuit of justice. Your generous zakat and sadaqa donations this Ramadan will help CAIR-LA meet a $100,000 Matching Challenge (and help double your donation) to unapologetically practice our religion and become active members of society.

Because of your instrumental support, CAIR-LA:

Provided free or low cost direct legal services to more than 1,040 individuals or families for immigration services such as citizenship, asylum, and more.
Helped defend the civil rights of hundreds of American Muslims affected by bullying, workplace discrimination, abuse by government agencies and more.
Filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the “Muslim Ban” put into effect by the Trump Administration.
Amplified the voices of the American Muslim community through the 700 Californians who traveled to the state capitol to advocate at the 7th Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol in partnership with the other state chapters.
This is just a glimpse of the numerous ongoing projects and services our office offers daily. The enclosed brochure showcases more of our recent accomplishments made possible by the blessings of Allah and your generous support and donations.

In this month of abounding charity, we can meet this challenge – together – and raise $200,000 to sustain and grow CAIR’s work. Your zakat or sadaqa gift of $5,000, $1,000, $500, $250, $100, or any amount will be safeguarding the liberties of Muslims and other Americans.
All of our work has been possible because of community members like you. That’s why I am asking you to support us this Ramadan so that we can continue advocating for those in need.

CAIR-LA is your organization, committed to protecting your civil rights and liberties. Our community is what inspires us to push for progressive change and to not rest until we achieve our goals. Your donations during this holy month will ensure that we have the necessary resources to move our work forward in the pursuit of justice.

Jazakum Allahu khairan for your support!

Hussam Ayloush, M.B.A. Executive Director

P.S. Remember, your donations to CAIR-LA are both tax-deductible and zakat-eligible. Please use the attached zakat calculator to figure out how much you owe in zakat. Don’t delay, mail your donation today!

When can I pay my Zakat?

Zakat should be paid as soon as possible prior to or at the time you’ve earned the requisite amount of nisab each lunar year, or one year after you last paid it.

Tip: A good way to ensure zakat is paid in a timely fashion is to pay your zakat during Ramadan.

Who can receive zakat among relatives?

Zakat can be given to one’s brother, sister, nephew, niece, paternal or maternal uncle, paternal or maternal aunt, father-in-law, mother-in-law, step-grandfather, or step-grandmother provided they do not have nisab. According to some narrations, relatives have more rights on you.

Do I have to pay zakat on my home?

One does not have to pay zakat on a primary place of residence. if the house qualifies as a secondary residence that sometimes gets rented out, however zakat is due on its income after subtracting necessary expenses.

Do I have to pay zakat on my stocks?

Yes. You should use the current value on stocks.

I normally give a lot of money in charity throughout the year, do I still have to pay zakat?

Zakat must be paid with the intention of paying zakat. if one gives any other charity, it cannot be counted as zakat as they did not have the needed intention, thus you would still have to pay zakat.

Do I have to pay my zakat on jewelry?

Yes, on jewelry you do not regularly wear and that you own for investment purposes. 

What is the difference between zakat and Zakat Al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Mal (commonly called zakat) is due when a person’s wealth reaches the nisab amount and can be paid anytime during the year. Zakat al-Fitr is paid by the head of the household for each member of the family, before Eid al-Fitr prayer. Zakat al-Fitr is about 3 kilograms of wheat, rice or dates its equivalent in value, estimated at $10 in 2014.