Feeding the Most Vulnerable
in Damascus
1,500+ meals served daily to widows and orphans who have no one else.
The Takiyya of Sayyida Khadija — where every meal is served fi sabil Allah
A Living Tradition of Generosity
Reviving the historic tradition of feeding the community
What is a Takiyya?
A takiyya is a historic institution in the Islamic world — originally associated with Sufi lodges — that serves as a public kitchen where food is prepared and distributed freely to those in need. For centuries, takiyyas across Damascus provided meals to the poor, travelers, and vulnerable members of the community.
The Takiyya of Sayyida Khadija
Last year, Abu Munir al-Shaar established a kitchen dedicated to feeding widows and orphans in Damascus. Named the Takiyya of Sayyida Khadija, it carries on this centuries-old tradition of communal care.
Since then, it has grown to serve 1,500+ meals daily — and the work continues.
Serving Those Who Have No One Else
A growing effort that reaches the most vulnerable in Damascus
The Takiyya serves two groups: those unable to earn a living — widows, orphans, disabled persons, hospital patients, and nursing students who will go on to serve others — receive free meals. Those able to work are not fed indefinitely; instead, they are helped to find work so they can support themselves. Both forms of support are Zakat-eligible.
Meals Daily
Free meals for those unable to earn a living: hospital patients, widows, orphans, disabled persons, and nursing students who will go on to help others. Numbers continue to grow every month.
Water Stations
Free water stations established where clean water flows from the ground — accessible to all, primarily serving widows and orphans
Livelihood Support
For those able to work, the goal is not to feed them indefinitely — it is to enable them to support themselves. They receive capital or goods to sell, or help to start a small street business. Zakat-eligible, and as important as the feeding.
Goods brought from Jordan to sell for a profit, or a cart to sell on the street — so people can stand on their own feet.
Reviving Historic Kitchens
A proposal to reactivate two legendary takiyyas of Damascus
Maqam of Sheikh Muhyiddin al-Arabi
One of Damascus's most revered historic sites. For centuries, its kitchen fed people from across the city. Abu Munir al-Shaar has proposed to the government to bring this kitchen back to life.
al-Takiyya al-Mawlawiyya
A kitchen that dates back to the 9th Islamic century. This would be revived and provide food to anyone who is unable to earn their own living, such as widows, orphans, and disabled persons.
From One Kitchen to Three
These are not new initiatives — they are the revival of a centuries-old tradition of feeding those in need. With government approval and community trust, Abu Munir al-Shaar is ready to scale from one kitchen to three, dramatically expanding the number of people served.
Give Your Zakat With Confidence
This isn't a faceless organization — it's a person you can trust
100% Goes to Those in Need
Abu Munir al-Shaar does not take a single penny for himself. Every donation goes directly to feeding and supporting the vulnerable.
On the Ground
This is not managed from afar. Abu Munir al-Shaar is physically present in Damascus, personally overseeing every aspect of the operation.
Fi Sabil Allah
The entire effort is carried out purely for the sake of Allah. No salaries, no overhead, no administrative costs taken from your donation.
A Trustworthy Place for Your Zakat
People give zakat to organizations where they have no idea where the money actually goes. This is different. This is going to a person who is on the ground, who doesn't take anything for himself, who is actually helping people — and who is very trustworthy and very reliable.
This is an opportunity to give your zakat in a way that you don't have anywhere else.
Give Your Zakat With Confidence
Every dirham goes directly to feeding widows, orphans, and the most vulnerable people in Damascus. No overhead. No salaries. Pure generosity.
Fresh meals prepared and distributed to widows and orphans who have no one to support them
Free water stations providing clean water to the community
Expansion plans to reactivate two historic kitchens and triple the reach
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