Be Their Lifesaver: Support Imams Across Africa

91% of Imams in Africa struggle to make ends meet. Your donation provides vital support.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgement. And whoever helps ease a difficulty in the world, Allah will grant him ease from a difficulty in the world and in the Hereafter.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi

The Reality of an Imam's Life in Africa.

Picture this: An Imam in rural Malawi has dedicated 7 years to Islamic studies. He leads prayers daily, teaches children, counsels families, and serves as the backbone of his community. People turn to him for spiritual guidance, financial help, and emotional support. When orphans need a home, he takes them in. When the hungry need food, he shares what little he has.

Yet this community leader earns just $30 a month.

With this meager income, he must support his family, aging parents, and respond to countless community needs. The gap between his responsibilities and resources is overwhelming. He cannot afford decent housing, proper healthcare, or education for his children. His dreams of furthering his own education, having reliable transportation, or performing Hajj remain distant hopes.

This is not just one Imam's story—it's the reality for 91% of Imams across Africa.

Imam across Africa earn pattance of salary

Solution: Monthly Assistance of $105

The Imam Development Program provides Imams from South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique with a comprehensive package. The most important part of the package is the lifesaving monthly assistance of $105 as a top-up to their salaries. This aims to provide vital support by bridging the gap in their income.

Monthly Stipend: A Lifeline for Imams

The Imam Development Program provides a comprehensive support package to Imams across 14 African countries. At the heart of this support is a monthly stipend of $108—a lifeline that transforms lives and communities.

This stipend bridges the gap between an Imam's basic income and the actual cost of living. It allows Imams to:

Provide adequate food and shelter for their families
Pay for healthcare when illness strikes
Cover school fees for their children
Support their aging parents and vulnerable community members
Focus on their duties as spiritual and community leaders without constant financial stress.

For many Imams, this stipend is the difference between dignity and destitution. It empowers them to serve their communities with their full attention and energy, rather than struggling to survive.

From Survival to Service: How Your Donations Transform Lives

When Imams receive financial stability, the impact ripples throughout entire communities. Here's how your donations have changed lives:

Breaking the Cycle of Debt and Worry

Imam Maulidy from Tanzania shares: "I moved to a better house because of the IDP stipend. I helped my community, paid my rent without debt, and my wife now has new hijabs. The IDP stipend makes me so much greater than I was before."
Imam Umali from Zimbabwe adds: "I was able to provide food for my family without struggling. We were surviving from handouts due to insufficient funds, and I was also able to send my kids back to school. The stipend is my lifesaver."

Empowering Community Leaders

Many Imams use their stipends not just for personal needs, but to strengthen their communities:

Imam Hussein Douglas saved his stipend to start an Irish potato farming business and now pays school fees for two needy Muslim students.
Imam Jameel Muhammad purchased a solar electricity system for his Masjid.
Imam Haroon Timothy established a soup kitchen to feed the needy in his township.
Muallimah Habeebah bought hijabs for her Madrassah students who couldn't afford them.

Building Sustainable Futures

With financial stability, Imams can plan for the future and build lasting improvements:

Imam Rajab Makande saved for seven months to buy his own land and helped his wife start a small business selling snacks.
Imam Tatenda Tichivangani saved for several months to purchase a car, improving his mobility and ability to serve.
Imam Arab Phiri invested in solar panels, household items, and a residential plot.

Your donation doesn't just help an individual—it transforms the spiritual and social foundation of entire communities.

Make a commitment today: Be an Imam Lifesaver

Your Zakat is more than just a donation; it's a lifeline for Imams facing daunting circumstances. With your support, you have the power to break the cycle of debt, poverty, and stress that many Imams endure. Your Zakat doesn't just sustain them; it empowers them to become the true community heroes they are meant to be.

Success Stories

Check out inspiring success stories through our gallery.