The Spirit of Giving: How African Communities Celebrate Zakat and Charity
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
In Africa, generosity is more than just a practice—it’s a way of life. Across the continent, the spirit of giving shines brightly during Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and charity. One of Islam’s Five Pillars, Zakat (obligatory almsgiving), plays a vital role in supporting the less fortunate, alongside Sadaqah (voluntary charity). But charity in African communities extends beyond monetary donations; it includes food sharing, community support, and acts of kindness that strengthen social bonds.
Let’s explore how different African cultures embrace the spirit of giving during Ramadan, ensuring that no one is left behind.
1. West Africa: ‘Sunku’ and the Power of Communal Support
In countries like Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, and Ghana, charity is deeply rooted in community values.
🌟 Sunku & Sunnah Giving (Senegal, Mali, The Gambia):
In Senegal and Mali, Muslims go beyond Zakat to practice "Sunku," a cultural tradition of sharing wealth, food, and even clothing with neighbors and the needy.
Communities also emphasize "Sunnah Giving," where people donate in secret, ensuring dignity for the recipient.
🍚 Zakat al-Fitr & Bulk Food Donations:
In Northern Nigeria, wealthy individuals and Islamic organizations distribute bags of rice, millet, and maize to struggling families before Eid.
In Ghana, mosques organize communal cooking to ensure that even the poorest can break their fast with a full meal.
2. East Africa: Food Sharing and Community Meals
In Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia, the tradition of Sadaqah (voluntary giving) thrives in both urban and rural communities.
🍛 Iftar for Everyone (Swahili Coast & Somalia):
Along the Swahili coast, families prepare extra food for communal iftar, often serving mahamri, samosas, and spiced rice to the less privileged.
In Somalia, it’s common for businesses to provide free dates and tea at mosques so that no one breaks their fast alone.
🏡 ‘Nabsiis’ (Somalia) – The Spirit of Providing:
Wealthy Somali families follow the practice of "Nabsiis," meaning "to make someone breathe easily."
They pay off debts of struggling neighbors, cover school fees, or help young men afford marriage.
💰 Zakat Funds for Long-Term Change (Ethiopia):
Ethiopian communities use Zakat not just for immediate relief but for long-term empowerment, funding small businesses for widows and orphans.
3. North Africa: Ramadan Markets & Orphan Sponsorship
In Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, and Morocco, Zakat and Sadaqah go beyond individual giving—they shape entire community projects.
🛍️ ‘Mawaid al-Rahman’ (Egypt) – Free Public Iftar:
Cairo’s streets are lined with Mawaid al-Rahman (Merciful Tables), where volunteers serve thousands of free iftar meals daily.
These meals often include ful medames (stewed fava beans), bread, and dates.
🏠 Supporting Orphans & Widows:
In Sudan and Algeria, Zakat funds go towards building homes for widows and orphans, ensuring they have long-term stability.
Moroccan charities organize Eid clothing drives, so children in need can celebrate with new clothes.
4. Southern Africa: The Role of Muslim Communities in Charity
Though Muslims are a minority in many Southern African countries, they are known for strong charitable networks during Ramadan.
🥘 Community Kitchens & Food Baskets (South Africa & Mozambique):
The Cape Malay Muslim community in South Africa sets up food kitchens serving boeber (sweet milk pudding), biryani, and lentil soup for fasting individuals.
In Mozambique and Malawi, mosques distribute food baskets with essentials like cassava flour, oil, and sugar to remote villages.
🏥 Zakat for Healthcare & Education:
South African Islamic organizations use Zakat to fund free medical clinics and school scholarships for disadvantaged children.
Wealthy families often sponsor an entire year of school fees for orphans as part of their Ramadan giving.
5. The Power of Giving Beyond Ramadan
While Zakat and Sadaqah are emphasized during Ramadan, many African communities continue charitable acts throughout the year. Some of the most impactful initiatives include:
✅ Building wells & water projects in drought-prone areas like Chad, Niger, and Somalia.
✅ Providing free Islamic education for underprivileged children.
✅ Supporting small businesses through microfinance Zakat programs.
✅ Offering interest-free loans to struggling families (a practice in Nigeria, Sudan, and Mali).
Final Thoughts: The True Spirit of Giving
In African communities, charity is not just about money—it’s about support, dignity, and community strength. Whether it’s sharing a meal, paying off debts, or helping someone start a business, Zakat and Sadaqah embody the true essence of Ramadan.
🌙 What charitable traditions exist in your community? Share in the comments below!