AUS declared zakat-eligible for student scholarships
Zakat—meaning purification or almsgiving—is an essential form of charitable giving and pillar in Islam, ensuring financial support for those in need.
For many students, financial constraints can be a barrier to achieving their academic aspirations. By directing zakat contributions toward scholarships, AUS ensures that talented students facing financial challenges receive the support they need to continue their education without disruption. Members of the AUS business community have already begun contributing their zakat to scholarships, further reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and accessibility.
'Education is a powerful tool for opportunity and progress. By contributing zakat toward student scholarships, our community is playing an essential role in shaping futures and removing financial barriers to success,' said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'The generosity we are witnessing is a testament to the profound impact education has in transforming lives and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our donors.'
The scholarships funded through zakat are designated for Muslim students facing financial difficulties and cover a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, business and the arts and sciences.
'Scholarships have long been a cornerstone of AUS' mission to provide a world-class education to talented students, regardless of financial background. At AUS, we work throughout the year to ensure that students have access to financial support, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. The acceptance of zakat contributions adds another meaningful dimension to these efforts, allowing even more students to benefit from the generosity of our community,' said Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.
AUS invites individuals and organizations to embrace the spirit of Ramadan—a time of giving, compassion and shared responsibility—by contributing to student scholarships and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of educational success.
To contribute or learn more, please visit go.aus.edu/zakat-contribution or contact the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at giving@aus.edu.
-Ends-
For more information, please contact:
Samar Saeed, PR and Media Specialist, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS, smahmoud@aus.edu
About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.
Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
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