H.E. Prof. Koutoub Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, participated on Monday 01 Rabi` al-Akhir 1442 corresponding to 16 November 2020, in the virtual press conference of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), held within the framework of the ceremony announcing that the UNHCR received a fatwah from the International Islamic Fiqh Academy which allows it to receive funds from Zakat and Sadaqa (Islamic charities) from all over the world and distribute them to deserving people such as refugees and displaced persons.

This conference coincides with the launch of the biannual report of the UNHCR on Islamic charities, which shows that the Refugee Zakat Fund received $46 million in Zakat and $9.2 million in charitable funds between January and June 2020, despite the repercussions of the Covid 19 pandemic. This major charity project aims to save the lives of more than 1.8 million refugees and displaced persons throughout the year.

H.E. Prof. Koutoub Sano stated that the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation considers participation in managing or providing the necessary support to deserving and needy displaced persons and refugees as a Shariah duty, a moral responsibility, and noble human objective, as our true Islamic religion teaches us cooperation, compassion and solidarity.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, which aims at providing assistance and support to the needy at all times and in all places, based on the principles of mercy, solidarity and compassion that the Prophet called for, may the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.

His Excellency appealed to affluent people, whether individuals or groups around the world, to provide support and assistance to refugees and displaced persons who are struggling against death and suffering from poverty, diseases and urgent needs. His Excellency also expressed the hope that the fatwah issued by the Academy, which allows the UNHCR to receive Zakat and charity funds, will be the beginning of a long-term partnership between the Academy and UNHCR, in the hope of expanding the scope of support and outreach to individuals and families in need.

In his part, Mr. Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Representative in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Advisor to Islamic Finance, expressed his thanks and appreciation to H. E. Prof. Koutoub Sano for his participation in this press conference as well as his deep appreciation to the International Islamic Fiqh Academy for the fatwah issued regarding the authorization of UNHCR to receive Zakat and charity funds.

UNHCR requested an additional $211.3 million to meet the needs of approximately 3.8 million refugees and displaced persons in the MENA region, especially as the winter season approaches. It should be noted that the UNHCR is leading an international campaign to protect those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflicts and persecutions by providing them shelter, food, water, and safety.