Source Credit: Gulf News
Sharjah: UAE residents are encouraged to support cancer patients during Ramadan by donating their zakat to the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a Sharjah-based non-profit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families.
Under the theme "Togetherness Conquers," FOCP’s annual Ramadan campaign calls on individuals and institutions to extend a lifeline to financially struggling cancer patients. A religious ruling from the Permanent Fatwa Committee in Sharjah permits zakat funds to be used for their treatment, making this a meaningful way to give back during the holy month.
Supporters have several options for making contributions: Website: Make a donation using the Zakat Calculator at www.focp.ae/zakat, Internet discounts: Get Dh10, Dh50, Dh100, Dh500, and Dh1,000 donation vouchers at www.focp.ae/coupon, Donations should be made to the Sharjah Islamic Bank account of FOCP (IBAN: AE440410000011364854002). Donations via SMS: Donations can be made by texting "Zakat" to 6447 (Dh20), 4426 (Dh50), 4467 (Dh200), and 2308 (Dh500).
Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, emphasized the impact of collective generosity, noting that even small contributions can ease suffering and offer hope. In 2024, FOCP allocated Dh5.7 million to support 98 cancer patients, covering treatments, financial aid, and emotional support.
Last year’s Zakat Campaign funds were distributed as follows: 37.5% for medications and pharmaceuticals (42 patients), 30.1% for chemotherapy (25 patients), 9.6% for bone marrow transplants (4 patients), 7.5% for radiotherapy (9 patients), 6.1% for lab tests (11 patients), 4.9% for surgeries (6 patients) and 4.8% for general medical expenses (9 patients)
FOCP also provided 400 Meer Ramadan (food boxes) in collaboration with Esaad Centre and UAE Food Bank. Additionally: 38 children received Eid clothing, a group iftar was organized for 200 patients, survivors, and their families and a social media campaign sharing real-life cancer survival stories reached 6.2 million people and garnered 2.1 million video views.
This Ramadan, be part of the change and contribute to FOCP’s Zakat Campaign to bring hope to those fighting cancer.
