Zakat and fidyah funds to aid low-income families and students
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) will distribute a S$4.3 million support package during Ramadan 2026, benefiting more than 10,500 recipients across the community.
S$4.3 Million In Community Support
The Ramadan support package was announced on Feb 20, 2026, by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim at the annual MUIS Buka Puasa held at Al-Mawaddah Mosque.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam attended the event alongside around 100 guests, including community leaders, zakat beneficiaries and representatives from welfare homes.
The package will run throughout Ramadan, from Feb 18 to Mar 20, 2026.
Funded By Zakat And Fidyah Contributions
The S$4.3 million package comprises S$3.5 million from zakat funds and S$800,000 from fidyah contributions.
Zakat is a religious obligation requiring eligible Muslims to redistribute part of their wealth to support the underprivileged.
Fidyah is a form of religious compensation paid by Muslims who miss their fasts during Ramadan due to valid reasons and are unable to make them up later.
Zakat funds in Singapore are overseen by Zakat Singapore, a strategic unit under MUIS.
Over 10,500 Beneficiaries
More than 10,500 recipients will benefit from the support package.
These include monthly zakat beneficiaries, Muslim residents in selected welfare homes, ComCare Long-Term Assistance recipients, households referred by Family Service Centres, and Muslim tertiary students from low-income families.
The assistance aims to ease financial pressures during the fasting month while supporting longer-term needs.
Focus On Dignity And Self-Reliance
Faishal said zakat support goes beyond immediate relief.
“Zakat supports daily living needs, education, healthcare, and pathways to self-reliance. At its heart, it reflects our collective duty as a community to uplift one another and enable everyone to live with dignity, respect, and hope for a better future,” he said.
He added that MUIS is exploring ways to improve accessibility and strengthen “last mile” delivery to ensure help reaches those who need it most.
Continued Commitment To Welfare
In 2025, MUIS disbursed S$4.3 million in year-end zakat distribution, supporting over 6,000 families, including more than 8,000 children.
The latest Ramadan package underscores MUIS’ ongoing commitment to strengthening social support within Singapore’s Muslim community.
As Ramadan brings reflection and giving to the forefront, MUIS’ S$4.3 million support package highlights the role of zakat and fidyah in strengthening communal resilience. By combining financial assistance with pathways toward self-reliance, the initiative seeks to provide not only relief, but long-term empowerment for vulnerable households.
Sources: Mothership (2026) , Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: MUIS Zakat Distribution 2026, Singapore Ramadan Aid, Fidyah Contributions Singapore, Muslim Welfare Support, Zakat Beneficiaries Singapore
