Our vision is centered around our guiding principle of “local collection, local distribution.” in accordance with a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (S). By focusing on the most immediate and pressing needs found in our great city and surrounding suburbs, Zakat Chicago is able to ensure that the funds collected have an immediate and noticeable impact on our community
Irshad Khan has served as President of Islamic Foundation North and has been the CIOGC Chairman since 2019. He is a school board member for District 24 and serves as a board member for Advocate Health Hospital Committee. Professionally, he is Vice President of Engineering & Strategy Deployment at a private equity company in Evanston, Illinois.
Dr. Kaiseruddin has served the Chicago Muslim community in various leadership capacities for over 40 years, including as the Chairman of the CIOGC and the President of the Muslim Community Center. Professionally, he has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and is currently retired.
Quadir Khan was the first Chairman of Zakat Chicago and served for 15 years. Now a committee member, he has been on the board of MCC and at ISNS, where he was the President for several years. Quadir has also helped translate a book on Tajwid called "Easy Tajwid".
Salman Mohiuddin is a healthcare executive specializing in business transformation and IT strategy, with extensive experience driving innovation and organizational growth. Since 2002, he has actively contributed to the Muslim community in both the greater Chicago area and the UAE, serving on the ISNS Board, the AMPO Shura council, and supporting Zakat Chicago initiatives. Beyond his professional and community leadership, Salman provides counseling and mentorship to adults and youth and has pursued traditional Islamic studies for over a decade, combining faith, service, and strategy in his approach to leadership and life.
Maqsood Quadri has worked with Zakat Chicago for more than 20 years. Additionally, he is President of the Downtown Islamic Center, President of Indian Muslim Relief and Charities (IMRC), and is the Chief Operating Officer of CIOGC.
Farzana Zia is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a strong foundation in accounting and business. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business from the University of Houston, where she developed a deep understanding of financial principles and organizational strategy. Currently residing in the suburbs of Chicago, Farzana brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community service to her work. For over four years, she contributed her expertise at Zakat Chicago, playing a pivotal role in ensuring financial integrity and supporting charitable initiatives that make a meaningful impact. Known for her diligence, focus, and exceptional attention to detail, Farzana consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. Her ability to combine analytical precision with a commitment to ethical practices makes her a trusted professional in every endeavor she undertakes.
Yusra Javed is a graphic designer and digital marketer located in the suburbs of Chicago. With over a decade of expertise in advertising and design, she plays a pivotal role in defining the visual identity and brand presence of various organizations. She holds a Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Experience from The Savannah College of Art and Design, complemented by certification in Social Media Marketing from DePaul University. Her creativity has garnered recognition, with her work featured in reputable publications worldwide. For Yusra, each project represents more than just a task; it's an opportunity to craft narratives, evoke emotions, and make a lasting impact through design.
Sana Rasheed has been an integral part of Zakat Chicago for over five years, bringing exceptional diligence and attention to detail to her role. She resides in the Chicago suburbs with her family and is deeply committed to advancing the organization’s mission through her expertise and professionalism. In her position, Sana manages and maintains Zakat Chicago’s donor database using DonorPerfect. She ensures data accuracy, produces streamlined reports, and facilitates efficient donor communication—all of which strengthen community outreach and engagement.
Mustaque Ali has been with Zakat Chicago since 2008. He has served as a board member for the Islamic Center of Wheaton and his condominium association. In addition to Ali’s career as a project manager and independent contractor, he has worked as a Sunday school teacher for over 20 years.
Members of the Zakat Chicago Committee volunteer their time, effort, and services.
We encourage volunteers to be part of Zakat Chicago. If you would like to get involved, please contact us.
In 2022, one of our largest projects was the Winter Kits distribution. To make the most effective use of the Zakat dollars we purchased jackets, blankets and other accessories directly from the manufacturers in China. Muslim Aid USA provided a significant help by picking up the cost of shipping and customs fees for the entire shipment of 6,000 kits from China to Chicago. Thank you Muslim Aid USA!
Zakat Chicago is pleased to receive Funding support from the Orland Park Prayer Center every year for several years now.
Zakat Chicago is pleased to receive Funding support from the Mecca Center every year for several years now.
History & Growth
1987
The Beginning of a Local Zakat Movement
The Central Zakat Committee (CZC) is organized at the Downtown Islamic Center under the leadership of Dr. Yakub Patel, with Brother Ahmed Qadeer leading the effort. Its mission: centralize the collection and distribution of Zakat across Chicagoland.
1991–1992
Building a Community Network
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) is established, creating a broader network through which Muslim organizations across the region could work together.
1997
Bringing Zakat Under CIOGC
CIOGC establishes its own Zakat committee. Chairman Dr. Talal Sunbulli asks Brother Ahmed Qadeer to form an ad hoc committee to continue the work of centralized Zakat collection and distribution within CIOGC.
2001
Defining the Vision
CIOGC completes an initial project definition for the Central Zakat Committee, further establishing its role in serving the Zakat needs of the Greater Chicago Muslim community.
2003
Institutionalizing Zakat
The Central Zakat Committee is restructured, a website is launched, and its mission is redefined: “institutionalize Zakat in the Greater Chicago area.”
2008
Zakat Chicago Is Born
The Central Zakat Committee is rebranded as Zakat Chicago, with a renewed operating principle that continues to guide the organization today:
Local Collection. Local Distribution.
2011
$250K for Local Needs
Zakat Chicago raises approximately $250,000 to support Zakat-eligible individuals and local community needs.
2016
$500K in Local Support
Community generosity continues to grow, with approximately $500,000 raised to address local needs across Chicagoland.
2019
$750K Raised Locally
Zakat Chicago reaches another milestone, raising approximately $750,000 to support individuals and community programs throughout the region.
2020
Responding When Our Community Needed Us Most
As COVID-19 created unprecedented hardship, Zakat Chicago increased its spending by 46% to meet urgent community needs. More than 6,100 food packages were distributed, representing over $200,000 in support, alongside assistance for healthcare, youth empowerment, refugees, mental health, and winter relief.
6,100+ food packages
$200K+ in food support
3,000 winter kits
2021
Surpassing $1 Million in Local Distribution
Zakat Chicago surpassed the $1 million mark in Zakat distribution, reflecting the continued generosity of the Chicagoland Muslim community. Tens of thousands of individuals accessed food through local partner pantries, while Zakat Chicago distributed 4,000 winter kits and supported mental health initiatives, including Mental Health First Aid certification for 55 local Muslim leaders.
$1M+ distributed
4,000 winter kits
55 leaders trained
2022
Expanding the Network of Care
Zakat Chicago continued strengthening its signature programs while investing in initiatives that support the wider Muslim community. 6,000 winter kits were distributed through 50 partners across Chicagoland, while empowerment scholarships and new initiatives—including Muslim chaplaincy at UIC and support for Muslim-led nonprofits—expanded the organization’s reach.
6,000 winter kits
50 community partners
New education & community initiatives
2023
Growing Access & Opportunity
Food aid programs reached more than 20,000 individuals, while 3,600 families received 58,000 pounds of halal turkey through the Turkey Distribution Project. Zakat Chicago also provided 700 mental health counseling sessions, assisted more than 450 refugees, supported over 2,200 individuals with essential expenses, and distributed 8,500 winter kits.
20,000+ people reached through food aid
58,000 lbs. of halal turkey
8,500 winter kits
2024
Reaching More Families
Zakat Chicago provided food assistance to more than 63,000 individuals and distributed 61,000 pounds of halal turkey to 5,100 families through Feast with Dignity. Across the year, the organization also distributed 8,500 winter kits and 2,000 blankets, supported more than 1,900 individuals through mental health services, and worked with more than 50 local organizations.
63,000+ people reached through food aid
5,100 families supported through Feast with Dignity
50+ community partners
2025
Deepening Our Local Impact
In 2025, Zakat Chicago’s year-round food programs benefited more than 100,000 individuals, while Feast with Dignity distributed 5,600 halal turkeys that helped feed more than 50,000 people. The organization also distributed 8,500 winter kits and 2,000 blankets, provided more than 800 cost-free mental health counseling sessions, assisted over 1,500 individuals through refugee resettlement, and expanded educational opportunities through scholarships and Islamic education.
100,000+ people reached through food programs
50,000+ people fed through Feast with Dignity
8,500 winter kits + 2,000 blankets
And the work continues.
From a small local effort in 1987 to a growing network serving communities across Chicagoland, Zakat Chicago remains rooted in the same principle.
Sheikh Rizwan Ali
Islamic Center of Naperville
Sheikh Hassan Aly
The Mecca Center
Professor Inamul Haq
Elmhurst College
Sheikh Kifah Mustapha
The Prayer Center
