Ehsan Platform Ends Adahi Requests for Hajj 1445

The National Platform for Charitable Work (Ehsan) has officially closed the submission window for sacrificial animal requests under the Adahi program for Hajj season 1445 AH, after receiving over 68,000 requests totalling more than SAR 49 million. The platform processed these requests within the legally prescribed timeframe for the ritual and promptly notified all sacrificers upon completion, as confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on June 18, 2024.

Context and Background

The Ehsan platform, a key initiative of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, serves as the national digital gateway for charitable work. Its partnership with the Adahi project—managed by the Islamic Development Bank—allows pilgrims and donors worldwide to perform the sacred rite of animal sacrifice during Hajj with ease and transparency. This year, the platform began accepting requests on the last day of Dhu al-Qi’dah and continued through the days of Tashreeq, aligning with Islamic jurisprudence.

By integrating technology into this age-old ritual, Ehsan enhances the efficiency of donation channels, ensuring that offerings reach beneficiaries across the globe, including those in need within the Kingdom and beyond. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernizing religious services while preserving cultural heritage.

Key Details

According to the official announcement, the total value of donations exceeded SAR 49 million, with 68,000+ requests processed. Each request was handled through the official Ehsan platform and the Adahi project, ensuring compliance with Sharia and legal regulations. The platform’s secure system enabled real-time tracking and notification, giving donors peace of mind and reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in digital transformation within the charitable sector.

This year’s Adahi program also underscored the importance of official channels, discouraging informal or unregulated sacrificial practices. The integration of Ehsan and Adahi aligns with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s broader goal of enhancing the impact of charitable giving through technology.

Implications and Impact

The closure of this season’s Adahi requests signals not only the completion of a key Hajj-related service but also the growing trust in Saudi Arabia’s digital charitable infrastructure. Donors from around the world participated, reinforcing the Kingdom’s status as a hub for Islamic philanthropy. The efficient processing of over 68,000 sacrifices demonstrates operational scale, with a direct positive impact on food security, as the meat is distributed to low-income families and refugees in Saudi Arabia and globally.

Moreover, this initiative supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas of hunger and poverty, by ensuring ethical and impactful charity. The success of the Ehsan-Adahi partnership sets a precedent for future charitable campaigns, encouraging transparency and accountability.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This development is a tangible example of Vision 2030’s digital empowerment goals, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in technology-driven social services. By streamlining donation processes and broadening the reach of charitable acts, the Ehsan platform reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to building a thriving society that leverages innovation for the well-being of all. As the platform evolves, it will continue to play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of giving, ensuring that the transformative spirit of Vision 2030 is felt not only in Hajj season but year-round across every community.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Ehsan platform?

A1. The Ehsan platform is the Saudi national platform for charitable work, established under Vision 2030. It digitizes and streamlines donations, ensuring transparency and efficiency. It partners with organizations like the Adahi project to manage sacrificial rituals during Hajj.

Q2. When did Ehsan start receiving Adahi requests?

A2. The platform began accepting requests for sacrificial animals on the last day of Dhu al-Qi’dah in the Hijri year 1445 AH, which corresponds to the beginning of Hajj season. This early start allowed ample time for donors worldwide.

Q3. How many requests did Ehsan receive?

A3. Ehsan received over 68,000 requests for sacrificial animals through the Adahi program. This large number demonstrates the platform’s efficiency and trust among donors, confirming its role in scaling charitable operations.

Q4. What was the total value of donations collected?

A4. The total value of donations exceeded SAR 49 million. This significant sum highlights the generosity of donors and the effectiveness of the Ehsan platform in managing financial contributions transparently and securely.

Q5. What is the Adahi project?

A5. The Adahi project is an initiative of the Islamic Development Bank. It facilitates the sacrifice of animals for Hajj pilgrims and others, ensuring that the ritual is performed according to Islamic guidelines and that the meat is distributed to the needy.

Q6. When did the platform stop receiving requests?

A6. Ehsan stopped accepting requests for sacrificial animals on June 18, 2024, after processing all valid submissions. The closure followed the legal time for the ritual, including the days of Tashreeq, and came with official notification.

Q7. How were donors notified about the processing?

A7. The platform promptly notified each sacrificer once their request was processed. This notification system provides real-time updates, ensuring donors are informed about the status and completion of their ritual.

Q8. What is the legal time for sacrifice in Islam?

A8. The legal time for sacrificing animals during Eid al-Adha begins after the Eid prayer and lasts until sunset on the thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as the days of Tashreeq. This period is specified by Islamic jurisprudence.

Q9. How does Ehsan benefit the charitable sector?

A9. Ehsan enhances digital empowerment, ensuring that donations are processed transparently and efficiently. It streamlines contributions through official channels, minimizing fraud and increasing the impact of charitable acts.

Q10. Is Ehsan part of Vision 2030?

A10. Yes, Ehsan is a flagship project aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of digitalizing government and social services. It embodies the kingdom’s transformation into a digitally enabled society, improving quality of life.

Q11. What happens to the meat from Adahi?

A11. The meat is distributed to needy families and communities, both within Saudi Arabia and abroad. The distribution is handled by reliable entities, ensuring that the sacrifice reaches those in need promptly.

Q12. Who can use the Ehsan platform?

A12. The platform is open to all individuals and organizations who wish to donate to various causes. For Adahi, any Muslim can donate for a sacrifice, regardless of location, with the process managed remotely.

Q13. Are there other services on Ehsan?

A13. Yes, Ehsan offers a variety of services, including donations to health, education, and relief campaigns. It aggregates vetted charitable causes and provides a secure portal for donations.

Q14. What is the significance of ending requests on the 18th?

A14. The 18th of June corresponds to the end of the Tashreeq period, which is the legal deadline for sacrifices. Ending after this date ensures all sacrifices were performed within the Islamic required timeframe.

Q15. How does Ehsan ensure transparency?

A15. Ehsan uses secure digital infrastructure that records all transactions, and donors can track their donations. The platform reports directly to authorities, and independent audits ensure accountability.

Q16. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency?

A16. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) serves as the official news source in the Kingdom. It disseminates announcements from government entities like the Ehsan platform, ensuring accurate information is available.

Q17. Can donors still give for Eid al-Adha after the closure?

A17. No, the request window has closed for this season, but donors can still make general donations on Ehsan. They can prepare for the next season’s Adahi by following the platform’s announcements.

Q18. What is the economic significance of the 49 million SAR?

A18. The amount collected demonstrates the economic strength of philanthropy in the Kingdom. It circulates capital, supports local suppliers, and impacts humanitarian efforts, aligning with Vision 2030’s economic diversification.

Q19. How does this initiative support global humanitarian aid?

A19. By processing sacrifices digitally, the initiative ensures that donations from around the world are effectively distributed. This expands the reach of Saudi Arabia’s charitable work, addressing global hunger.

Q20. What does the future hold for Ehsan?

A20. Ehsan will continue to evolve, integrating more services and enhancing user experience. It aims to expand its reach and impact, solidifying its role in Saudi Arabia’s digital charity infrastructure.

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