Ramadan campaign approved by Scholarly Fatwa Committee

Sharjah, June 22, 2015: Celebrating the month of giving this Ramadan, Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) has launched the third edition of its 'I deserve a life” Zakat Campaign in order to provide treatment and care for cancer patients who cannot afford it themselves. FoCP, the region’s leading cancer specific charity, will use Zakat money paid by individuals and organizations to cover treatment costs of cancer patients in the UAE.

The Permanent Fatwa Committee in Sharjah has approved the campaign which means that the Zakat fund can be spent on patients’ treatment, provided they are unable to afford it themselves. Therefore, FoCP has been given the go ahead to collect Zakat funds in order to support its campaigns to treat several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and brain cancer among others.

Zakat money raised will be used to cover costs of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as other costs from early detection to surgical procedures, including surgeries performed abroad such as bone marrow transplants. The funds will also be used to provide patients with prosthetic limbs and other medical equipment.

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Secretary General for FoCP, said, “Each case will be thoroughly reviewed, making sure the patient is eligible to receive Zakat money, and is otherwise unable to afford the treatment. But this campaign has restored hope to many underprivileged patients over the past two years. Our 'I deserve a life” Zakat campaign has become a highlight in Ramdan charity events, reflecting the spirit of social solidarity this holy month represents.”

Al Madhi thanked all benefactors who contributed to the campaign, adding, “Cancer treatment is considered one of the most expensive, even for more affluent people it is considered a financial burden. In the holy month, people are closer to charity and giving than any other time in the year, there is nothing more beautiful than bringing hope to cancer patients, by supporting those less privileged. We will work together to make this Ramadan a memorable one that carries happiness and blessings to everyone.”

Anyone may contribute to the campaign via SMS from any carrier in the UAE. Send ZAKAT to 4425 to donate 10 AED. Zakat may also be dispensed directly into FoCP's Zakat bank account at Sharjah Islamic Bank, Main Branch in Sharjah: Account number: 0030364854003¡ IBAN: AE350410000030364854003.

For more information on the campaign please visit www.focp.ae or email info@focp.ae. The campaign welcomes donations throughout the year, not only in Ramadan.

Ever since its inception in 1999, FoCP has offered moral and financial support to cancer patients and their families from all backgrounds. The society is also active in awareness campaigns and screening and early detection efforts in the UAE. Over the past years, FoCP has launched several pioneering campaigns and programs, aiming to spreading awareness about the importance of early detection of cancer.