For Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan, which began on 1 March 2025 and will end on 31 March (depending on the observation of the lunar crescent, the date of the end of which may vary ), is a time for meditation and sharing. Every evening, families gather around the fast-breaking meal, embodying solidarity and generosity. But for one Syrian in three, this home no longer exists. After 14 years of war, 7.4 million Syrians have had to flee their homes. Many have lost everything: their homes, their towns, their loved ones.
Access to healthcare: a vital priority
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, over 885,000 more Syrians have been displaced within the country. For many, this is a second or third displacement, increasing their vulnerability. Most of these families live below the poverty line and are particularly affected by malnutrition. More than 16.7 million Syrians are suffering from hunger, and children in particular are exposed to nutritional deficiencies, risks of blindness and avoidable deaths.
Access to healthcare is also crucial. Many people do not have access to the treatment they need for chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure, putting their lives at risk. The situation is made even more critical by the lack of essential care for serious illnesses. Living conditions in the displaced areas are dramatic, and the health crisis is worsening with epidemics such as cholera and acute diarrhoea, exacerbated by thewinter and the lack of shelter and sanitation facilities.
Mehad mobilises to respond to emergencies
Faced with these challenges, Mehad is stepping up its efforts to meet the urgent needs of displaced people in Syria. In 2025, the situation is critical: more than 102 health facilities in north-west Syria have already exhausted their funds, and by the end of March, 45% of health facilities will have to close if they do not receive additional funding.
Since 8 December, Mehad has opened new health centres in the Aleppo region and in rural areas, and has deployed mobile clinics to reach the most isolated populations. But in the face of the emergency, many programmes are in danger of coming to a halt for lack of long-term funding.
Your support, their safety and their future
In this month of Ramadan, every contribution enables Mehad to continue to provide vital care and meet the urgent needs of the displaced. Together, we can restore their dignity and security, and help them to overcome this crisis.
What are the key dates for making a donation according to the Muslim calendar?
The month of Ramadan is a time for solidarity and generosity. It is also a time when many Muslims pay the Zakat al-Maal, an obligatory alms in Islam, intended for those most in need. For those wondering how to give Zakat, there are a number of key dates for optimising the impact of their Zakat and humanitarian donations in Ramadan.
The key times to make a Zakat donation during Ramadan are :
- The Night of Doubt (29 March – variable): this night marks the sighting of the lunar crescent which heralds the start of Ramadan. This is an ideal time to anticipate your Zakat al-Maal and your Ramadan donation.
- The last ten days of Ramadan, and in particular Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny): This is the most blessed night of the year, when good deeds and donations are multiplied. Making a Zakat donation online at this time can have an even greater impact. (25 March 2025 – variable)
- The day before and the day of Eid al-Fitr (30-31 March – variable): Before the Eid prayer, every able Muslim must pay the Zakat al-Fitr. This Zakat donation enables the most disadvantaged to celebrate the end of Ramadan with dignity. You can also make a Zakat donation online to make the process easier.
Why give Mehad his Zakat?
In this month of Ramadan solidarity, your Zakat donation or your Sadaqa Jariya can save lives. Mehad works in conflict zones such as Syria to provide vital medical care to displaced populations. With over 16.7 million Syrians suffering from hunger, and 15.8 million in need of health assistance, your compulsory Zakat can fund treatment, medicines and consultations for those most in need.
