FAQs

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.

What countries does Droplets of Mercy work in?

Droplets of Mercy USA works in 19 countries, including: Canada, USA, UK, Malaysia, Turkey (Displaced Uyghur population), Palestine (Gaza and West Bank), Yemen, Jordan (Palestinian, Syrian and Jordanian refugees and displaced persons), Syria, Lebanon, Egypt (Gaza evacuees; new for 2025), Sudan, Somalia, Morocco, Uganda (Sudanese refugees), Kenya, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India (new for 2025)

Do you accept in-kind donations?

Droplets of Mercy works in 26 different countries:

We mainly accept in-kind donations from institutions due to high processing costs. For individual donations, we recommend financial contributions or supporting local distribution organizations. If you are a corporation and would like to donate in-kind items, please contact us at info@dropletsofmercy.org.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, all donations are tax-deductible. Our Canadian branch is Registered Canadian Charity which produces tax deductible donation receipts - CRA Charity registration number: 725657316 RR0001

How can I be sure my donation goes to the intended cause?

We track every donation to ensure it reaches the intended cause. Our strict checks and balances guarantee your contribution makes an impact.

What is your admin cost?

Administrative costs are necessary for running an efficient organization, Droplets of Mercy strives to keep these costs to around 15%. We also run campaigns to encourage donors to invest in our organization by supporting our operations. When you support our operations, you help us reach more people in the most remote areas of the world.

I want to make a donation. Where do I go?

You can donate to use through these means: Website: www.dropletsofmercy.org. Etransfer: Send your donation to info@dropletsofmercy.org and in the message state your full name, address, email address, phone number, and the cause for which you are donating. Call us at 1 867-679-0487. We offer a 24/7 phone service.

Ramadan

Fidya is a $10 daily donation made when someone cannot fast during Ramadan, used to provide meals for those in need. For instance, missing all 30 days of Ramadan would require a Fidya donation of $300.

Yes, Droplets of Mercy has a “Feed the Fasting” program that provides food packages to families right before the month of Ramadan begins. These packages are designed to feed a family of 5-7 for the entire month.

Zakat-al-Fitr must be paid before Eid prayer, any time during Ramadan.

Zakat

Zakat is an obligatory annual payment made by eligible adult Muslims whose wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold over the course of a lunar year. It is intended to support those most in need, both locally and globally.

Nisab is the minimum wealth required to be liable for Zakat, equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.

Hawl refers to a full lunar year (approximately 354 days) that must pass before Zakat is due on eligible wealth.

  • Yes, while a lump-sum payment is preferable, you can pay Zakat in installments if you are confident your wealth will remain above the Nisab threshold.

Zakat is distributed among eight categories:

    • The impoverished
    • Those in need
    • Zakat administrators
    • Reconciliation of hearts
    • Individuals in bondage
    • People in debt
    • Those striving for Allah’s cause
    • Stranded travelers

Not all Muslims are obligated to pay Zakat. According to the Qur’an, one must meet specific criteria: be Muslim, of sound mind, have reached puberty, and possess wealth exceeding the Nisab value for a full year.

  • Zakat is due on assets beyond those necessary for daily living, like savings, investments, and additional properties. Essential living expenses, such as mortgages, are excluded. For instance, a second home should be included in your calculations, but your primary residence is not. The same applies to vehicles — a second car counts, while your primary car, considered a necessity, does not.
  • Eligible assets for Zakat calculation include:
    • Cash in hand, bank accounts, or savings accounts.
    • Funds set aside for specific purposes (e.g., Hajj, property deposits, weddings).
    • Gold and silver in your possession.
    • Stocks and shares you own.
    • Income generated from rental properties (e.g., a second home).
    • Loans you’ve provided to others that are expected to be repaid.
  • What not to consider when calculating Zakat:
    • Payments due in the month you pay Zakat.
    • Debts you owe (e.g., mortgage, rent, credit card debts, personal loans).
    • Household items like appliances and clothing.
    • Business expenses (e.g., bills, salaries, rents).
    • Business loans and overdrafts.

Zakat is due once your wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold for a full lunar year. While Ramadan is a favored time to give, you can pay Zakat at any time of the year. Remember, this is distinct from Zakat-al-Fitr, or Fitrana, which must be paid during Ramadan before Eid prayer. 

Droplets of Mercy does not change ‘admin’ on Zakat. We allocate your Zakat only to Zakat eligible categories.

Zakat is a mandatory annual payment, while Zakat-al-Fitr is a one-time payment made during Ramadan before Eid, usually in the form of food or a $10 cash donation per person.

Zakat-al-Fitr must be paid on behalf of every member of your family.

Zakat-al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer or at any time during Ramadan.

Qurbani

The type of animal varies by country and may include cows, sheep, or goats.

We collaborate with local partners and field offices to determine those in greatest need. Recipients are either notified to collect the Qurbani meat at a central location or have it delivered to their home, especially if they are elderly or disabled.

The meat is distributed on the same day it is slaughtered.

We recognize the diversity of thought (fiqh) within the Islamic tradition and welcome all to fulfill their religious obligations as they see fit.

We accept Qurbani donations until the first day of Eid al-Adha. Our preparations start six months in advance, ensuring that every sacrifice is carried out on time. 

Aqiqah

Aqiqah is a Sunnah observed by parents or guardians after the birth of a child. It is typically performed on the seventh day after birth, though it can be done on the 14th or 21st day. At Droplets of Mercy, we carry out Aqiqah sacrifices in line with your preferences.

We perform Aqiqah in Pakistan, Palestine, Egypt and Uganda.

Once we receive your donation, it typically takes two to three weeks to complete the Aqiqah. Our donor care team will keep you updated throughout the process.

Water Wells

We don’t just build water wells, we deliver clean water solutions by building water systems that provide clean drinking water, but can also be used for agricultural purposes. You can build a simple water well in Kenya, Pakistan, Uganda, Burundi, and Gambia, or you can also contribute towards larger water projects in these countries, as well as in Yemen, Palestine, Senegal and Malaysia.

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. 

We construct various types of wells, including shallow wells, community/school wells, mega wells, solar-powered wells, and hand-pump wells, based on community needs and the local landscape.

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

 

Well longevity varies. Some last for 10 years, while solar-powered wells can last for decades with regular maintenance.

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

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