From Pandemic Relief to the Gaza Crisis: Inside Mastul's Humanitarian Work and Transparent Financial Management

In charitable and humanitarian work, people’s greatest expectation is transparency and accountability. By transforming this expectation into reality, Mastul Foundation has established a unique benchmark in Bangladesh’s nonprofit sector. Through regular audits, transparent operations, and a strong commitment to donor accountability, the organization has become a symbol of trust for countless people. MASTUL Foundation is a non-profit, non-political, and fully volunteer-driven humanitarian organization registered with Bangladesh’s NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office. It is also registered with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC). The Foundation holds a special SRO certification from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), allowing eligible donations and Zakat contributions made to the organization to qualify for income tax rebates. In addition, with approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, MASTUL Foundation carries out highly sensitive humanitarian services such as the ritual washing and burial of unclaimed deceased persons.

All activities of the Foundation are conducted solely for the pleasure of Almighty Allah and are supervised by an independent Shariah Board. Every year, the organization hosts Zakat Conferences and Donor Gatherings, bringing together distinguished scholars, professionals, and public figures. The Foundation also implements a variety of humanitarian initiatives tailored to the interests and preferences of its donors. MASTUL Foundation’s humanitarian reach extends far beyond Bangladesh’s borders. Wherever humanitarian crises emerge, MASTUL volunteers strive to respond with compassion and assistance. During the ongoing humanitarian emergencies in Gaza and Sudan, the Foundation directly delivered emergency food aid, meals, and essential life-saving medicines to affected communities. Through a wide range of programs, MASTUL Foundation continues to provide meaningful support to vulnerable populations both at home and abroad. The organization has reached its current position through the love, trust, and support of people from all walks of life. Through the proper distribution of Zakat and Sadaqah funds, underprivileged families are being empowered through small business initiatives and sustainable livelihood programs. MASTUL Foundation believes that long-term solutions are more effective than temporary relief. Therefore, the organization utilizes Zakat funds responsibly to provide business capital and economic opportunities to disadvantaged families. Its vision is to help today's Zakat recipients become tomorrow’s Zakat contributors, enabling them to regain dignity and financial independence.

To further institutionalize and regulate this empowerment process, Mastul Foundation operates Islamic Finance programs under approval from the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) under the Ministry of Finance. Through Shariah-compliant investment and financing models, the Foundation promotes economic empowerment among marginalized communities. In particular, the organization offers Qard Hasan (interest-free loans) to unemployed youth, helping them create employment opportunities and develop as entrepreneurs. These multifaceted initiatives not only preserve the sanctity of Zakat but also demonstrate the effective application of Islamic finance in reducing dependency and restoring dignity to those living in poverty. Guided by the pursuit of Allah’s pleasure, Mastul Foundation remains committed to continuing this journey of service. The Foundation also operates its own Mehmankhana (Community Kitchen) program. Every day, free meals are distributed to underprivileged individuals across various parts of Bangladesh, including the capital city of Dhaka. In areas such as Karwan Bazar and beyond, Mastul Foundation provides nutritious meals to hungry and vulnerable people free of charge.

In Baraikhali, Hazaribagh, Dhaka, the Foundation operates a school, madrasa, orphanage, and elderly care center. Construction is currently underway for the 10-story Mastul Islamic Shelter Home Complex, which will house a modern mosque, madrasa, school, orphanage, elderly care facility, medical corner, and vocational training center under one roof. The project aims to provide a safe and dignified environment for vulnerable children and elderly individuals. For orphaned and disadvantaged children, the shelter home will offer not only quality education but also a nurturing environment, nutritious food, healthcare, and moral guidance to help them grow into responsible citizens.

According to Kazi Reaz Rahman, Founder and Executive Director of MASTUL Foundation: “Every initiative we undertake is dedicated to seeking the pleasure of Almighty Allah. The proper management of Zakat and Sadaqah is essential for ensuring equitable wealth distribution and improving the lives of disadvantaged communities. Since our inception, we have maintained transparency by publicly sharing our audited reports. We also encourage donors to directly observe the impact and progress of the projects they support.” It is worth noting that all activities of MASTUL Foundation are conducted under the supervision and guidance of an independent Shariah Board.