Muslim organisations are using zakat donations to support education for poor and orphaned children, especially girls
NEW DELHI/JAIPUR — With many poor families struggling to continue their children’s education because of rising costs, two Muslim organisations in Jaipur are quietly helping hundreds of students study through the Islamic system of zakat.
The initiative, being run by Anjuman Taleemul Muslim Society and New Ahgaran Education Society, is supporting the education of more than 400 poor and needy students in schools and colleges across the Rajasthan capital.
The organisations say the fees of these students are being paid through zakat contributions given by members of the Muslim community and other donors who wish to support education for underprivileged children.
The effort has become an important example of how community-based welfare and charity are helping poor Muslim families at a time when many continue to face financial hardship and educational backwardness.
At a school and girls’ college run by Anjuman Taleemul Muslim Society on MD Road in Jaipur, hundreds of children from low-income families are receiving free or heavily subsidised education.
The society’s secretary, Shabbir Carpet, said the institution has been serving the community for nearly a century.
“Our organisation is around 100 years old. We are running a girls’ college and a school up to Class 12. Many children studying here either pay half the fees or are completely unable to pay,” he said.
According to him, around 200 girls in the college and nearly 100 students in the school are studying with the help of zakat funds.
“We use zakat money throughout the year to pay their fees so that their studies do not stop,” he added.
The institution also operates another school near Ghatgate at Gejgadh House, where many students are receiving educational support through the same system.
Shabbir Carpet said members of Jaipur’s educated Muslim community regularly contribute zakat for children’s education, often without revealing their names.
“People donate quietly because zakat is considered a form of hidden charity. Sometimes the amount increases and sometimes it is less, but by the grace of God, we manage the educational expenses of these children throughout the year,” he said.
According to the society, nearly Rs 20 lakh is collected annually through zakat contributions and used for educational purposes.
Apart from formal education, the organisation is also running free summer camps for children and girls during school holidays.
These camps include spoken English classes, computer training, beautician courses and cricket coaching.
Shabbir Carpet said the aim is not only to provide school education but also to help children develop practical skills and confidence.
“There are many students who once could not even afford school fees. Today, some of them have completed their education and are living respectable and stable lives,” he said.
He explained that the society functions through a democratic committee system, with elections held every three years.
“Sixteen executive members are elected by respected members of society, and they manage the institution and its activities,” he added.
A similar effort is being carried out in Ramganj by New Ahgaran Education Society, which runs the Ahgaran School.
The society’s secretary, Nizamuddin, said nearly 100 boys and girls are studying there with financial support from zakat donations.
“We support around 100 students whose educational expenses are covered through zakat. Not only people from our own community, but many educated and socially aware citizens also contribute,” he said.
Community leaders say such efforts are especially important because many Muslim families in India still struggle with poverty, school dropouts and limited access to higher education.
Education activists note that Muslim girls are among the biggest beneficiaries of these initiatives, particularly in conservative and economically weaker households where higher education often becomes difficult due to financial pressure.
Jaipur-based education activist Farzana Ali said, “When communities invest zakat money in education instead of temporary relief, it changes entire families. Educated girls later help educate the next generation as well.”
Islamic scholars describe zakat as one of the most important duties in Islam.
Under Islamic teachings, financially capable Muslims are required to donate a fixed portion of their wealth every year for the welfare of poor and needy people.
Religious scholars explain that zakat becomes compulsory if a person possesses wealth above a certain limit, including gold, silver or equivalent savings.
Traditionally, zakat has been used for food, healthcare and financial support, but many Muslim organisations in India are increasingly using it to promote education and self-reliance among poor families.
Social workers say such educational projects are filling an important gap in areas where many poor students are unable to continue their studies because of a lack of support.
Prof Aamir Rashid, an education researcher, said, “There is often negative discussion around Muslims in public debate, but stories like these show another reality — ordinary Muslim citizens investing their own charity money into education, girls’ empowerment and social upliftment.”
Parents of students studying in these institutions also expressed gratitude.
Ruksana Begum, whose daughter studies at the girls’ college, said, “My husband is a daily wage worker. We could never afford college fees. Because of this support, my daughter is continuing her studies.”
Another parent, Mohammad Arif, said, “These organisations are not just paying fees. They are giving poor children hope and dignity.”
Community members believe the Jaipur model can inspire similar educational efforts in other parts of the country where poor Muslim students continue to face financial difficulties and limited educational opportunities.
For many families, the support coming through zakat is not simply charity, but a path towards education, confidence and a better future for their children.
