How to pay the expiation for those unable to fast through Ihsan and booking Iftar meals at the Two Holy Mosques

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, attention turns to spiritual and devotional preparations, highlighting the importance of technology in facilitating the performance of religious rites and duties. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to leverage technology to serve charitable work, with the Ihsan platform reliable digital solutions that enable beneficiaries to easily and conveniently pay expiations and ensure their delivery to those in need.

Types of expiations available through the Ihsan platform

The National Platform for Charitable Work offers multiple options for fulfilling religiously mandated expiations, thus relieving Muslims of hardship and making it easier for them to discharge their obligations. The available services include three main types:

• Expiation for breaking an oath: This is obligatory when an oath is broken.
• Expiation for those unable to fast: This applies to the elderly or the sick who are not expected to recover, and for whom fasting is difficult.
• Expiation for the prohibitions of Ihram: related to pilgrims and Umrah performers when committing one of the prohibitions of Ihram.

Steps to pay expiation electronically

To ensure a seamless user experience, the Ihsan platform has designed a simplified mechanism for paying expiation in just a few seconds:

1. Log in to your account on the Ihsan platform (or log in as a guest).
2. Go to the "Donation Opportunities" menu and select the "Expiations" section.
3. Specify the type of expiation to be performed (oath, fasting, or ihram).
4. Enter the donation amount or the number of days/people.
5. Complete the payment process using the available and secure payment methods.

Organizing Iftar meals for fasting people in the Two Holy Mosques

As part of ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims, the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has launched a modern and well-organized mechanism for managing the Iftar (breaking the fast) program during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative comes in strategic partnership with the Ihsan platform and the Nusk Foundation, aiming to eliminate haphazardness and ensure the provision of healthy and safe meals.

The new mechanism relies on pre-registration by individuals and organizations wishing to provide breakfast through the Authority's website, followed by payment of costs exclusively through the Ihsan platform. Once payment is completed, the necessary permits are issued, and travel locations within the Two Holy Mosques and their courtyards are designated, with the donor being notified of all details.

The importance of governance and the expected impact

This digital transformation in the management of expiations and Iftar programs represents a qualitative leap in Saudi charitable work, as it aims to:

• Enhancing transparency: Ensuring that every riyal donated goes to the precisely defined legitimate banks.
• Improving operational efficiency: Organizing the courtyards of the Two Holy Mosques and preventing overcrowding or the distribution of meals that do not meet health standards.
• Maximizing social impact: Expanding the circle of beneficiaries through a unified database that connects donors with those truly in need.

These initiatives are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to develop the non-profit sector, provide safe donation channels that protect donors from fraud, and ensure that beneficiaries receive their rights with dignity.