India is a common zakat destination for Muslims in the United States, particularly for those seeking to support Indian Muslim communities facing economic hardship, healthcare needs, education gaps, and disaster response. Because Muslims are a minority in India, zakat giving there is often highly targeted and channeled through Muslim-run organizations with strong local networks.
This guide highlights real zakat-eligible organizations commonly used by U.S. donors—starting with international organizations with U.S. donor pipelines, followed by India-based Muslim charities with established track records.
Before donating, we recommend calculating your zakat using the HalalWallet Zakat Calculator, then returning to this guide to choose where to give.
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Major Zakat Organizations Supporting India
These organizations are commonly used by U.S. donors and operate zakat-eligible programs in India.
1. Islamic Relief USA (India Programs)
Islamic Relief USA supports humanitarian and development programs in India, with a focus on healthcare, livelihoods, and emergency relief. Zakat eligibility depends on the specific program selected, making it a good option for donors seeking global oversight with program-level zakat designation.
2. Zakat Foundation of America (India Programs)
Zakat Foundation of America operates zakat-specific programs supporting Indian Muslim communities, focusing on education assistance, food security, and emergency relief. Clear zakat designation makes it suitable for donors who want zakat handled by an organization specializing in zakat.
India-Based Muslim Zakat Organizations
These organizations are based in India and are widely recognized within Indian Muslim communities and the diaspora.
Human Welfare Foundation (India)
Human Welfare Foundation is one of the largest Muslim-run charities in India, with programs focused on education, healthcare, orphan support, and relief aid. It accepts zakat for eligible programs and is well-suited for donors seeking structured, large-scale support for Indian Muslims.
Zakat Foundation of India
Zakat Foundation of India is a locally based organization focused specifically on zakat distribution within India. It supports healthcare, education, and direct financial assistance using zakat-specific intake and distribution processes.
Indian Muslim Relief & Charities (IMRC)
Indian Muslim Relief & Charities (IMRC) is a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on relief efforts for Indian Muslim communities. It supports education, medical assistance, and disaster relief and accepts zakat for eligible programs.
Helping Hand Foundation (India)
Helping Hand Foundation is a grassroots organization supporting healthcare, education, and emergency aid across India. It accepts zakat for eligible assistance programs and is ideal for donors seeking smaller-scale, community-level impact.
Common Zakat Use Cases in India
Zakat sent to India is commonly used for education assistance for low-income Muslim students, medical treatment and healthcare support, food assistance and basic living needs, disaster and emergency relief, and direct financial support for zakat-eligible households.
Because zakat recipients in India are often geographically and socially vulnerable, donors should ensure funds are distributed through organizations with strong local verification networks.
How to Choose Between These Options
Many donors choose to give zakat through international organizations for compliance and reporting while also supporting India-based Muslim charities for targeted local impact. Some donors split zakat across education-focused and relief-focused programs.
Don’t See the Organization You Use?
If you donate to an India-focused organization not listed here, confirm that zakat is explicitly accepted and distributed separately, review transparency and reporting practices, and ensure recipients meet zakat eligibility criteria. You can also reach out to HalalWallet for educational guidance or suggest organizations for future updates.
Continue the 2026 Zakat Series
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