Automate Your 10 Nights & Never Miss Laylatul Qadr

Orphan Sponsorship

Child Sponsorship

Sudan & Sudanese Refugee Appeal

Palestine & Palestinian Refugee Appeal

Makani Centre in Jordan

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our work.

General

We understand that you may have questions about our work, programs, and how you can get involved. Our FAQ section is designed to provide clear and concise answers to the most common questions we receive. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us directly.

How are donations at Droplets of Mercy USA spent?

Droplets of Mercy USA prioritizes minimizing administrative costs while maximizing the impact of your contributions. We operate in 10+ countries, working with local partners to identify and address critical needs of the most vulnerable communities. After identifying projects, our Programs Department thoroughly reviews budgets to optimize each donor’s reach. Post-implementation, we consistently monitor and assess program effectiveness.

What countries does Droplets of Mercy USA work in?

Droplets of Mercy USA works in 26 different countries:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh (including Rohingya Refugees), Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Palestine (West Bank & Gaza), Somalia, Sudan, Turkey (Uyghur and Syrian Refugees), Uganda, USA, Canada, Yemen, Kenya, Lebanon (Lebanese & Syrian Refugees), Jordan (Palestinian refugees, Syrian Refugees & Jordanians)

Do you accept in-kind donations?

Droplets of Mercy USA primarily considers in-kind donations from institutional donors, manufacturers, and NGOs due to the cost challenges associated with individual donations. To maximize our impact and assist those in need most effectively, we encourage financial contributions. For in-kind donations, please consider supporting local organizations that can distribute items more efficiently within your community.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax-deductible pursuant to IRC 170(c). Droplets of Mercy is a non profit organization that originated in Canada and has been working on various projects all over the world. Droplets of Mercy USA a new branch working directly with the Canadian branch has launched in 2024 so the first audit report in the USA branch will not be available until 2025.How can I be sure my donation was given to the cause I donated to?

How does Droplets of Mercy USA ensure that my donation goes directly to the intended appeal and cause?

Droplets of Mercy USA ensures that your donation goes directly to the intended appeal and cause. We meticulously track and allocate donations, collaborating with local partners to address the most pressing needs on the ground. We take our checks and balances seriously to guarantee your donation's impact.

What is your administrative cost?

Droplets of Mercy USA works diligently to keep administration costs down, however, administrative costs are necessary in order to run an effective and efficient organization. We maintain a 12.5% admin cost.

Ramadan

Fidya is a religious donation in Islam that helps those in need when someone is unable to fast during Ramadan. The word “fidya” comes from the Arabic root Fada, which means “to ransom” or “to redeem”. The current rate is a $10 daily donation to provide meals for those in need. For example, missing the entire month of Ramadan due to illness would require a $300 fidya donation ($10 x 30 days).
Droplets of Mercy USA has established a feed the fasting program during the month of Ramadan. Prices per package vary based on country and food prices that year. However, each Ramadan feed the fasting package will feed a family of 5-7 for the entire month of Ramadan.
Zakat ul Fitr must be paid within the month of Ramadan. The latest it can be paid is before the Eid prayer.

Orphan Sponsorship

We classify an orphan as a child under 18 without a father or both parents, or when the father’s location has been unknown for at least two years. This is often the case for many refugee children whom we sponsor. Orphan status is irrespective of gender, religion, or race.
Orphans are selected according to five key criteria: vulnerability, financial need, family size, housing conditions, and health. Priority for sponsorship is given to families facing the most severe circumstances, such as larger families in greater financial struggle. Confirmation of sponsorship requires official documentation, and the selection process must be free from discrimination based on race, religion, color, age, gender, or disability. At Droplets of Mercy USA we reley on the local partner to determine the need as they are familiar with the local community members.
We offer orphan sponsorships in the following countries: Turkey (both Uyghur & Syrian refugees), Pakistan, Uganda, Palestine (orphan support (non sponsorship), Jordan (Palestinian & Syrian refugees)
Our orphan sponsorship program may include education, clothing, medical & food aid however varies per country.
Given the amount of orphans we sponsor we unfortunately do not allow this at this time. However, you will receive quarterly updates regarding your orphan and their wellbeing.
You will receive quarterly updates regarding your orphan and their wellbeing.

Zakat

Zakat is a mandatory annual payment made by eligible adult Muslims whose wealth surpasses the Nisab value over one Islamic (lunar) year. These payments are intended to aid those facing the greatest need, both within the nation and globally.
Nisab serves as the threshold for the eligibility to pay Zakat for Muslims. It is determined by two values:
  • Gold – equivalent to the monetary value of 87.48 grams of gold.
  • Silver – equivalent to the monetary value of 612.36 grams of silver.

The ever-changing values of gold and silver affect the Nisab threshold, and tools like our Zakat calculator help determine eligibility and amounts owed. To qualify for Zakat, one’s wealth must exceed the Nisab threshold for a full Islamic year, or ‘Hawl,’ lasting 354 lunar days. If your wealth drops below this threshold during the year but remains above it at the beginning and end of the Hawl, you should seek advice from your local imam.
In terms of Zakat, a Hawl means one lunar year, which is approximately 354 days long.
Yes, you have the option to pay Zakat in installments, although it is generally preferable to make a single lump-sum payment. But if you are confident that your wealth will remain stable, you can pay in advance of the due date.

Zakat, a form of charitable giving in Islam, comes with specific eligibility criteria. While husbands cannot give their Zakat to their wives since they are already responsible for their well-being, wives can contribute to their husbands’ Zakat as long as they meet certain conditions. This means that wives should not indirectly benefit from the donation, like their husbands using the funds to buy gifts for them.

The categories eligible to receive Zakat are eightfold:

  • The impoverished.
  • Those in need.
  • Zakat administrators.
  • Reconciliation of hearts.
  • Individuals in bondage or captivity.
  • People burdened with debt.
  • Those striving for the cause of Allah.
  • Travelers in need.
The responsibility to pay Zakat is not required for all Muslims; specific criteria are outlined in the Qur’an. One must have reached the age of puberty, be Muslim, possess a sound mind, be free, and maintain a positive cash or goods flow, along with personal wealth exceeding the Nisab value.
To calculate your Zakat, assess your wealth, including personal assets and cash. It’s important to note that Zakat is applicable only to assets that do not contribute to your daily living expenses. For instance, a second home in which you don’t reside should be considered in your calculations, whereas your primary residence should not be included. The same applies to vehicles: your second car, seen as a luxury, should be factored into your Zakat calculations, while your primary vehicle, considered a necessity, should not.

Eligible assets for Zakat calculation include:

  • Cash on hand, in bank accounts, or savings accounts.
  • Funds set aside for specific purposes, such as Hajj, a property deposit, or a wedding.
  • The value of gold and silver in your possession.
  • Stocks and shares in your ownership.
  • Total income generated from renting out a property you own, like a second home.
  • The value of any loans you’ve provided to others and expect to be repaid.

What not to consider when calculating Zakat:

  • Any payments due in the month you pay your Zakat.
  • Debts you owe, such as mortgage or rent payments, credit card debts, and personal loans.
  • Items like household appliances and clothing.
  • Business expenses, including bills, salaries, rents, and rates.
  • Business loans and overdrafts.
Your Zakat is due once your wealth surpasses the Nisab threshold for a full Islamic year, calculated on the day of payment. The month of Ramadan is a favored time, with Allah multiplying blessings for giving. However, you can pay Zakat at any time during the year if your wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold for a lunar year. Remember, this is distinct from Zakat al-Fitr, or Fitrana, which must be paid during Ramadan before the Eid prayers.
Droplets of Mercy USA aligns with the consensus of scholars, designating zakat collectors as one of eight legitimate beneficiaries. Under our Zakat policy, we can allocate up to 12.5% of zakat-specific fund donations for core functions, covering administration and operations. This means that 87.5% directly benefits those in need, while 12.5% is earmarked for Droplets of Mercy USA’s administrative needs.
Zakat and Zakat-Al-Fitr differ in their timing and intent. Zakat-Al-Fitr, observed exclusively during Ramadan before Eid, typically involves food donations. In the US, Muslim Aid accepts cash contributions of $10 per person to provide food assistance to those in need.
Zakat al-Fitr should be paid on behalf of everyone in the family.
It should be paid before Eid prayer (or any day during Ramadan).

Qurbani

The animals are different per country — they may range from a cow, sheep or a goat.
Droplets of Mercy USA works with local partners on the ground to determine who is in greatest need to receive the Qurbani meat. They are contacted in advance and based on their location, they may either pick up the Qurbani meat at a convenient central location or it is hand delivered to their homes — especially for those who are elderly and disabled.
Once the Qurbani meat has been slaughtered, it is distributed to the families in need the same day.
Droplets of Mercy USA recognizes the different school of thought (fiqh) in the Islamic tradition, and welcomes all to fulfill their religious right as they see fit.
We allow for Qurbani donations up until the third day of Eid al-Adha. We prepare the animals and plan six months ahead of time. We do not take more donations than what we have prepared for, so your Qurbani sacrifice will be carried out on time.

Aqiqah

Aqiqah is a sunnah carried out by parents or guardians after a child’s birth. It is most preferred on the seventh day after the child’s birth, with flexibility on the 14th or 21st. At Droplets of Mercy USA, we align Aqiqah sacrifices with your preferences. The baby’s hair is shaved, and the sadaqah calculated is based on the daily silver rate.
Droplets of Mercy USA performs Aqiqah in Uganda
Following your donation, your Aqiqah request typically takes about two weeks to be fulfilled. Once the request is made, we ensure the Aqiqah is performed within two weeks, and our donor care team will update you upon completion.

Water Wells

Droplets of Mercy delivers clean water solutions across eight countries: Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Pakistan, Burundi, Palestine, Malaysia, and Yemen. Our work spans over 15 countries globally, focusing on long-term access to clean, safe water.

We offer two main types of wells: 

  • Small Hand Pumps – Starting at $1,000, these wells serve around 70-100 people.
  • Mega Community Water Wells – These large-scale projects can serve up to 10,000 people daily and cost upwards of $200,000.

For long-term, wide-reaching impact, we encourage donors to support our General Water Fund. This fund pools resources to build Mega Community Wells, which can serve entire villages. 

While these wells do not come with a personal name plaque, they give sustainable, long-term relief and help us respond where the need is greatest.

There are many factors that will affect the cost of a well:
  • Size: From hand pumps serving a few hundred to mega wells serving thousands.
  • Location: Remote or conflict-prone areas may be harder to access.
  • Terrain: Rocky or hard-to-dig land requires more effort and machinery.
  • Depth: Some areas require deeper wells to reach clean water sources.
We aim to find the most effective solution for each community.

On average, water wells take 5-6 months to complete. This includes planning, drilling, installation, and testing. In rare cases, delays can occur due to political instability or extreme water. If so, our donor support team will keep you updated throughout the process.

Yes, at Droplets of Mercy, we believe in full transparency. Once your well is complete, you’ll receive: 

  • Photos of the completed well
  • GPS coordinates of its exact location
  • Details on the number of people it serves

This depends on the type, size, and location of the well. Here’s a breakdown: 

  • Community Well in Uganda – Serves 1,100 people daily
  • Hand Pump in Pakistan – Serves ~70-100 people daily
  • Solar-Powered Well in Kenya  – Serves 250 daily
  • Community Well in Yemen – Serves 2790 daily

Dr. Yahya Hendi

Dr. Yahya Hendi is the Director for Muslim Life. He has been at Georgetown for 25 years and was the first Muslim chaplain to be hired full-time by an American university. Imam Hendi is a Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellow at the Center for Dispute Resolution at the University of Maryland School of Law and the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office. Imam Hendi is the founder and president of Clergy Beyond Borders. He also serves as a member of the Islamic Jurisprudence Council of North America. Imam has served as an adjunct faculty member for Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and Osher’s Lifelong Learning Institute of Johns Hopkins University, Fordham University, and Hartford Seminary. Imam Hendi also taught the course Inter-religious Encounters at Georgetown University. He is passionate about environmental responsibility, racial justice, eliminating poverty, fighting against the growing sense of militarism, and empowering Muslims to reform the way they practice and understand Islam. When Imam Hendi is not talking about these topics with students, you’ll find him in the kitchen cooking Maqloobah or his other favorite dishes, grilled chicken, rice, and hummus.

Legal Disclaimer

  1. You must raise $5,000 USD or more in order to travel with Droplets of Mercy.
    • Flight and hotel will be free of charge if the $5,000 USD is raised.
  2. You must be over the age of 18 and have a valid passport legally allowed to travel.
  3. Participants must be within the US or Canada.
  4. You must sign the Droplets of Mercy travel waiver before you go.
  5. You must obtain the necessary shots required to enter into the country of travel.
  6. Travel is limited to 35 participants. If more than 35 participants raise $5,000 or more, they will be offered the next available travel opportunity.
Droplets of Mercy USA Volunteer Deployment Waiver

By participating in a volunteer deployment organized by Droplets of Mercy USA (“the Organization”),
I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Voluntary Participation

I understand that my participation in this humanitarian volunteer trip is entirely voluntary.
I am free to decline or withdraw from participation at any time before or during the deployment,
understanding that doing so may be at my own expense.

2. Assumption of Risk

I acknowledge that international and domestic travel, particularly in humanitarian, disaster-response,
or underserved regions, involves inherent risks. I knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks,
whether foreseeable or unforeseeable.

3. Health & Medical Responsibility

I affirm that:

  • I am physically and mentally capable of participating in this deployment.
  • I am responsible for obtaining any required vaccinations, medications, and medical clearances.
  • I understand that medical care may be limited or unavailable during the deployment.

I agree that the Organization is not responsible for providing medical care, emergency evacuation,
or medical expenses unless explicitly stated otherwise.

4. Travel & Documentation

I am solely responsible for:

  • Valid passport, visas, and travel documents
  • Compliance with local laws and regulations
  • Meeting entry, exit, and health requirements of destination countries

The Organization is not liable for delays, denials of entry, or losses related to documentation
or travel disruptions.

5. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless the Organization, its officers,
directors, employees, volunteers, partners, and agents from any and all claims, demands, damages,
or liabilities arising out of or related to my participation in the volunteer deployment, including
negligence, except where prohibited by law.

6. Insurance

I understand that the Organization does not provide health, medical, travel, evacuation, or personal
property insurance unless explicitly stated. I am encouraged to obtain appropriate insurance coverage
at my own expense.

7. Conduct & Compliance

I agree to:

  • Follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by the Organization
  • Respect local customs, cultures, and laws
  • Conduct myself in a manner consistent with the mission and values of the Organization

Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the deployment at my own expense.

8. Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted according to the laws of the State/Province of
[Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

9. Acknowledgment & Agreement

I acknowledge that I have read and understood this disclaimer, had the opportunity to ask questions,
and voluntarily agree to its terms.