For Muslims around the world, charity is not merely a good deed—it is a pillar of faith. Zakat, the obligatory alms, and sadaqah, voluntary giving, have connected believers to their communities and to God for fourteen centuries. But in 2026, the way Muslims give is transforming at breathtaking speed.
Across the Islamic world, a digital revolution in charitable giving is underway. Governments are launching sophisticated national platforms with advanced governance and artificial intelligence oversight. Fintech companies are integrating Shariah-compliant donation features directly into banking apps. Social networks designed for Muslim users now include built-in charity functions. And innovative crowdfunding platforms are connecting investors with ethical, Shariah-compliant opportunities.
From Saudi Arabia’s Ehsan platform, which has raised over SR14.7 billion since its launch, to Malaysia’s new zakat payment features in digital banks, the landscape of Muslim charity is more dynamic, more accessible, and more transparent than ever before. Here is your comprehensive guide to the platforms, trends, and opportunities shaping Islamic charitable giving in 2026.
The State of Muslim Digital Charity in 2026
The Scale of the Transformation
The numbers tell a compelling story. Saudi Arabia’s Ehsan platform alone has processed 345.5 million individual donations totaling SR14.7 billion (approximately $3.9 billion) since its launch in 2021 . In just the first few weeks of Ramadan 2026, donations to the platform’s sixth annual campaign exceeded SR700 million . These are not marginal figures—they represent a fundamental shift in how Muslims fulfill their charitable obligations.
Key Trends Driving the Sector
Government-Led Digital Infrastructure: Perhaps the most significant development is the emergence of national charitable platforms backed by state resources and regulatory frameworks. Saudi Arabia’s Ehsan operates with support from the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) , ensuring “high-level governance and the secure receipt and delivery of donations” . Oman’s new Jood platform similarly serves as a centralized electronic gateway for charitable donations, serving charities and volunteer teams across the Sultanate . The UAE’s Edge of Life campaign integrates with multiple government platforms including DubaiNow and Jood.ae .
Shariah Compliance as Standard: Today’s leading platforms don’t just accommodate Islamic principles—they are built around them. Saudi Arabia’s THEMAR crowdfunding platform operates under license from the Saudi Central Bank specifically to provide “Sharia-compliant financing solutions” using structures like Murabaha and Tawaruq . Beehive in the UAE obtained Shari’ah certification from the Shariyah Review Bureau, with legal advisors noting that “SMEs and other customers are looking for cost effective, Shari’ah compliant financing solutions” .
Integration with Daily Life: Charity is moving from separate websites into the applications Muslims use every day. Malaysia’s AEON Bank now offers zakat payment functionality directly within its digital banking app, partnering with Islamic social fintech platform Tulus Digital to provide “a合规, safe and fully covered digital solution” . The platform supports 11 types of zakat payments, including personal, income, business, gold, and EPF savings, with built-in digital contracts (aqad) ensuring “each payment is legitimate and complies with Islamic law principles” .
Social Media Meets Charity: New social networks designed for Muslim users are integrating charitable giving as a core feature. Salam Life, a platform attracting attention in 2026, includes “a charity section integrated directly into the application” allowing users to “donate to verified charitable initiatives, including zakat and sadaqah contributions, without leaving the platform” . This represents a fundamental reimagining of social media’s purpose—not just connection, but community support.
Regulatory Evolution: Malaysia’s Securities Commission is actively encouraging the growth of Islamic fintech, announcing new registrations for P2P financing and equity crowdfunding operators with “shariah solutions and value propositions” specifically “aiming to foster growth of MSMEs in the halal economy and enhance the Islamic fintech ecosystem” . A new RM30 million Digital Innovation Fund will help finance innovative projects in this space .
National Charity Platforms: Government-Backed Giving
Saudi Arabia: Ehsan Platform
Platform: ehsan.sa
Launched: 2021
Total Donations to Date: SR14.7 billion (as of February 2026)
Monthly Visits: 2.4 million (as of February 2026)
The Ehsan National Platform for Charitable Work stands as the undisputed leader in Muslim digital charity. In February 2026, it ranked as the most visited nonprofit organization website in Saudi Arabia, attracting 2.4 million monthly visits . These numbers reflect not just popularity, but profound trust.
What Makes Ehsan Unique:
The platform operates with “advanced digital governance, enabling the community to donate through official and secure channels” . It is backed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which ensures “high-level governance and the secure receipt and delivery of donations to those in need” . Critically, a Shariah committee oversees the platform to ensure its compliance with Islamic law .
The 2026 Ramadan Campaign:
The sixth annual National Charity Campaign launched in February 2026, running throughout Ramadan. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made personal donations totaling SR70 million—SR40 million from the King and SR30 million from the Crown Prince . Within the first day, the campaign raised SR646 million .
Ibrahim Al-Husseini, CEO of Ehsan, describes the campaign as offering “a secure, official channel through which individuals and organizations can contribute to a wide range of charitable and developmental projects across the Kingdom” . The platform’s Endowment Fund invests contributions and uses the returns to fund sustainable charitable projects, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for nonprofit sector growth .
Donation Channels:
- Website: ehsan.sa
- Mobile application
- Unified number: 8001247000
- Designated bank accounts
Oman: Jood Platform
Platform: Jood (launched October 2025)
Oman entered the digital charity space with the launch of the Jood electronic platform in October 2025. The name means “Give Generously,” reflecting the platform’s mission to facilitate charitable giving across the Sultanate .
Key Features:
The platform serves as a centralized digital gateway for “charities and volunteer teams in Oman,” allowing “individuals and institutions to donate electronically through secure payment channels” .
Leadership Support:
The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed Said Al Ma’amari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, and attended by Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, along with members of the Royal family and numerous government officials . This high-level backing signals Jood’s importance to Oman’s digital transformation and charitable sector development.
United Arab Emirates: Jood.ae and the Edge of Life Campaign
Platform: Jood.ae
Dubai’s Jood platform (www.jood.ae) serves as the emirate’s central “community contributions platform” . Its significance was highlighted during the Edge of Life campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to raise at least Dh1 million to rescue five million children worldwide from hunger .
The Edge of Life Campaign (Ramadan 2026):
This campaign exemplifies how modern Muslim charity integrates multiple channels while maintaining central governance. The campaign offers seven contribution channels :
- Campaign Website: www.edgeoflife.ae welcomes donations from individuals and institutions inside and outside the UAE
- Call Centre: Toll-free 8004999, available daily 10am to 5pm
- Bank Transfer: Emirates Islamic Bank account IBAN: AE940340003708472909222
- SMS: Send “LIFE” to dedicated du and e& numbers:
- “Father” to 1034 (Dh10)
- To 1035 (Dh50)
- To 1036 (Dh100)
- To 1038 (Dh500)
- DubaiNow App: Under the “Donations” tab
- YallaGive.com: Under the “Donations” tab
- Jood.ae: Create special portfolios for institutions or individuals to launch mini-campaigns
The Jood Platform’s Unique Feature:
Jood allows “individuals, businesses, and institutions in both the private and public sectors, as well as celebrities, communities and cultural, sport and art groups to launch mini campaigns via Jood, encouraging friends, colleagues, and followers to join in” . This transforms charitable giving from a passive activity into an active community movement.
The campaign operates in partnership with UNICEF, Save the Children, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Action Against Hunger , demonstrating how digital platforms enable collaboration between government initiatives and international humanitarian organizations.
Islamic Crowdfunding and Fintech Platforms
Beyond traditional charity, a new generation of platforms is emerging that combine Islamic finance principles with crowdfunding technology. These platforms serve both charitable and investment purposes, always within Shariah guidelines.
Saudi Arabia: THEMAR Crowdfunding Platform
Platform: www.THEMAR.sa
License: No. 75/AS/202307 from the Saudi Central Bank
Focus: Sharia-compliant debt crowdfunding
THEMAR represents the intersection of Islamic finance and modern fintech. It is a “financial technology platform that provides debt crowdfunding services” regulated by the Saudi Central Bank .
How It Works:
The platform collects funds from investors into independent bank accounts to provide “Sharia-compliant financing solutions for beneficiary enterprises” . These solutions include:
Murabaha-based Products (Purchase Financing):
These products finance the acquisition of specified assets or goods. The platform purchases the commodity on behalf of the beneficiary and subsequently sells it to them at a pre-agreed profit, payable on a deferred basis . This structure avoids interest (riba) by creating a genuine asset transaction.
Tawaruq-based Products (Working Capital & Term Finance):
These provide cash liquidity for general operational or commercial purposes, including “working capital financing, invoice financing, term finance, and inventory financing” .
Transparency Requirements:
In accordance with Saudi Central Bank requirements, THEMAR must disclose for each beneficiary entity :
- Financial statements for the last two years (if available)
- Key financial and forward-looking indicators
- Description of the project seeking financing
- Total financing required and fund utilization mechanism
- Repayment terms and collateral provided
Fees Structure:
- Setup Fee: 2%–5% of financing amount (minimum SR5,000), payable upon application submission
- Service Fee: 20%–40% of project’s profit margin, payable in installments
For donors and investors seeking Shariah-compliant ways to support businesses while earning returns, platforms like THEMAR offer a structured, regulated alternative to conventional charity.
UAE: Beehive P2P Finance
Platform: Beehive (UAE’s first P2P finance marketplace)
Certification: Shari’ah certified by the Shariyah Review Bureau
Beehive made history as the UAE’s first online marketplace for peer-to-peer finance. In a significant development for Islamic finance, the platform obtained Shari’ah certification for its P2P financing model .
The Significance:
Adil Hussain, Global Head of Islamic Finance at Clyde & Co (which advised Beehive on the certification), explains: “The certification highlights the increasing role Islamic finance is playing across sectors that have traditionally relied on more conventional means of financing. SMEs and other customers are looking for cost effective, Shari’ah compliant financing solutions to grow their businesses” .
Paul Boots, COO at Beehive, added that Clyde & Co’s team “brought deep expertise in the subject and understood how to bridge the complex world of Islamic finance with the high tech world of P2P finance” .
Since its launch in November 2014, Beehive has channeled over AED15 million ($4 million) worth of finance to more than 32 SMEs . The platform allows “Islamic investors to take full advantage of the opportunities that P2P finance has to offer while providing complete confidence that their values are respected and adhered to” .
Malaysia: Regulatory Leadership in Islamic Fintech
Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) is actively encouraging the growth of Islamic crowdfunding. In a major policy announcement, the SC opened new registrations for P2P financing and equity crowdfunding operators with “shariah solutions and value propositions” .
Key Initiatives :
- New ECF and P2P registrations focusing on shariah solutions to “foster growth of MSMEs in the halal economy and enhance the Islamic fintech ecosystem”
- Digital Innovation Fund (DIGID) : RM30 million to help finance innovative projects by MSMEs and MTCs, covering up to 70% of approved qualifying expenses (capped at RM500,000 per project)
Market Impact:
Since its inception in Malaysia, P2P financing has raised approximately RM3 billion in total, with a default rate of only about 2.6% . Digital assets investments through registered platforms amount to about RM21 billion . These figures demonstrate the significant scale and relative stability of Islamic crowdfunding in Malaysia.
Banking Integration: Zakat in Your Pocket
Perhaps the most user-friendly development in Muslim charity is the integration of zakat payment directly into everyday banking applications.
Malaysia: AEON Bank x Tulus Digital
Launch: March 2026
Partners: AEON Bank (Malaysia’s digital bank) and Tulus Digital (Islamic social fintech platform)
In a groundbreaking move for Ramadan 2026, AEON Bank introduced zakat payment functionality directly within its digital banking application .
The Partnership:
Tulus Digital serves as an authorized agent for state Islamic zakat institutions, including :
- Federal Territories Islamic Council Zakat Collection Center (PPZ-MAIWP)
- Selangor Zakat Board (LZS)
The collaboration provides “a compliant, safe and fully covered digital solution” allowing customers to pay zakat “directly through their smartphones” .
Supported Zakat Types (11 categories):
- Personal zakat
- Income zakat
- Business zakat
- Gold zakat
- EPF (Employees Provident Fund) savings zakat
- And more
Islamic Compliance Features:
The system includes a built-in digital contract (aqad) , ensuring “each payment is legitimate and complies with Islamic law principles” . This digital verification replaces physical paperwork while maintaining religious validity.
User Experience:
Upon successful transaction, customers receive :
- Instant receipt within the application
- Email notification from Tulus Digital
- Official tax-deductible receipt (available through the respective state zakat institution’s website)
Raja Datin Paduka Maemunah, CEO of AEON Bank, explains the philosophy: “For AEON Bank, we believe digital banking should not merely be a tool for managing money, but should also support users’ lifestyle and values. By enabling zakat functionality in the application, we fulfill our responsibility to make fulfilling religious obligations more convenient and stress-free” .
Ubaidah Othman, Commercial Director of Tulus Digital, adds that the collaboration “strengthens Malaysia’s Islamic finance digital economy” by providing “secure, Shariah-compliant digital payment and social finance solutions” .
This integration represents the future of Muslim charity—seamless, verified, and embedded in daily financial life.
Social Networks with Built-In Charity
A fascinating development for 2026 is the emergence of social media platforms designed specifically for Muslim users, with charitable giving as a core feature.
Salam Life
Platform: Salam Life (social networking application)
Launch Context: Part of a wave of “alternative social media platforms designed to better align with [Muslim] values and online habits”
Salam Life offers “a more tailored online experience for Muslim users,” focusing on “features designed to support privacy and respectful interaction” . Its customizable news feed allows users to “filter content according to their preferences, helping them manage what appears in their timelines” .
The Charity Feature:
Most significantly, Salam Life includes “a charity section integrated directly into the application.” Through this function, “users can donate to verified charitable initiatives, including zakat and sadaqah contributions, without leaving the platform” .
Supporters say “such tools reflect the importance of mutual assistance and social responsibility within Muslim communities” .
Other Platforms
Umma Life: Focuses on “maintaining a highly curated environment for religious content,” prioritizing “educational materials, reminders, and discussions related to Islamic teachings, while limiting certain forms of entertainment content” .
Muslimika: Combines “social networking with practical digital tools for everyday religious practices,” integrating “features such as prayer time reminders, Qibla direction tools, and access to Quran readings alongside community interaction functions” .
While these platforms are still emerging, they represent a significant shift: the recognition that for many Muslims, social connection and charitable giving are inseparable aspects of community life.
How to Choose the Right Platform
With such diversity of options, how do you select the right platform for your charitable giving?
For Individual Donors
If you want maximum impact with government backing: Consider national platforms like Ehsan.sa (Saudi Arabia), Jood.ae (Dubai), or Oman’s Jood platform. These offer the highest levels of governance and transparency, with Shariah oversight built in .
If you prefer convenience: Use your existing banking app if it offers integrated zakat payment, like AEON Bank in Malaysia . This eliminates the need for separate accounts and logins.
If you spend time on social media: Explore platforms like Salam Life that integrate charity directly into your social experience .
If you want to respond to urgent appeals: Watch for campaigns like the UAE’s Edge of Life, which aggregate multiple donation channels around specific humanitarian crises .
For Institutions and Fundraisers
If you represent a charity: Consider registering on national platforms like Jood.ae, which allows institutions to “launch mini campaigns” and reach broader audiences .
If you seek Shariah-compliant business financing: Explore platforms like THEMAR (Saudi Arabia) or Beehive (UAE) that connect businesses with ethical investors .
If you are a fintech innovator: Monitor Malaysia’s Digital Innovation Fund and new registration opportunities for Islamic P2P and ECF operators .
The Future of Muslim Digital Charity
As we progress through 2026, several trends will shape the future of Muslim charity platforms:
AI-Enhanced Governance: Platforms like Ehsan already benefit from support from national data and AI authorities . Expect artificial intelligence to play an increasing role in fraud prevention, beneficiary verification, and impact measurement.
Cross-Border Integration: The Edge of Life campaign’s partnerships with international NGOs like UNICEF and Save the Children point toward greater integration between national platforms and global humanitarian efforts.
Blockchain and Transparency: While not yet widespread, the demand for transparency in zakat distribution will likely drive adoption of blockchain-based tracking systems that allow donors to see the impact of their contributions in real time.
Expanded Banking Integration: AEON Bank’s zakat feature will likely be replicated across the Islamic world as other digital banks recognize the value of integrating religious obligations into everyday finance.
Specialized Platforms for Specific Needs: From THEMAR’s business financing to Salam Life’s social charity integration , expect continued diversification as platforms serve specific niches within the Muslim charitable ecosystem.
Conclusion: Giving in the Digital Age
For fourteen centuries, Muslims have given charity with the right hand not knowing what the left hand does. The privacy and sincerity of giving have always been paramount. Yet today’s digital platforms, far from diminishing that spirit, enhance it by ensuring that every riyal, dirham, or ringgit reaches its intended destination with maximum impact and minimum waste.
From Saudi Arabia’s Ehsan platform, where billions are distributed with AI-powered governance, to Malaysia’s banking apps that make zakat as simple as checking your balance, the tools of Muslim charity have never been more powerful. From UAE’s Jood, enabling anyone to launch a campaign, to emerging social networks where charity is woven into the fabric of daily interaction, the opportunities to give have never been more accessible.
As you fulfill your charitable obligations in 2026, know that behind every platform profiled here are scholars ensuring compliance, technologists ensuring security, and public servants ensuring integrity. The digital zakat revolution is not about replacing the spirit of giving—it is about honoring that spirit with the best tools our age can provide.
Give generously. Give wisely. And know that your contribution joins a stream of compassion flowing from believers around the world, united by faith and empowered by technology.
2026 Muslim Charity Platforms At-a-Glance
| Platform | Country | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ehsan.sa | Saudi Arabia | National charity | AI-governed, SR14.7B raised |
| Jood (Oman) | Oman | National charity | Centralized giving portal |
| Jood.ae | UAE | Community platform | Launch your own campaigns |
| THEMAR.sa | Saudi Arabia | Debt crowdfunding | Shariah-compliant Murabaha/Tawaruq |
| Beehive | UAE | P2P finance | Shariah-certified SME financing |
| AEON Bank | Malaysia | Banking integration | In-app zakat with digital aqad |
| Salam Life | International | Social network | Built-in charity feature |
| Edge of Life | UAE | Campaign | 7 donation channels, hunger relief |