Zakat, the compulsory alms to be given by well-to-do Muslims, was the focus of an iftar arranged by Thanima. “Muslims are ready to perform five-time prayers (Salat), fast during Ramadan and perform Haj, but most of them are reluctant to give Zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam,” said Abdul Shukoor Ali, a dawa worker and a senior official of Thanima.
He emphasized the need to collect and distribute Zakat in an organized manner to make it an effective tool for poverty alleviation. “At present the poor have to queue in front of the homes of the rich to get Zakat money. This is totally against the spirit of Zakat,” he said.
Islam has encouraged the Muslim faithful to spend their money in supporting the poor and financing Islamic and humanitarian projects, Ali said. “The Holy Qur’an describes spending in the way of God as a kind of profitable investment,” he pointed out.
He said if well-to-do Muslims pay their Zakat properly there would not be any poverty in the Islamic world. “Proper implementation of the Zakat system can change the face of the world and eradicate poverty not only in Somalia but also in other African and Asian countries.” Suleiman Faisi, an Islamic scholar, was the main speaker at an iftar organized by IDC. He reminded Muslims on the need to show kindness toward the poor. “It is one of the important messages of Ramadan. Through fasting we understand the suffering of the poor,” he said and urged community leaders to support IDC’s charitable programs. Faisi answered questions of participants on various Islamic issues.
In his speech at an iftar held by Jamiyyatul Ansar, Abubacker Kunnakkav highlighted the role of fasting in Ramadan in strengthening the spirituality of Muslims and making them more God-conscious. He also urged Muslims to engage in spreading the divine message of Islam among non-Muslim communities.
Bharat Recreation Club (BRC) held its annual iftar at Talal International School with the participation of more than 300 people, mostly families from the Kozhikode district of Kerala. A variety of delicious foodstuffs prepared by families were served during the party, making it different from other iftar events.
“BRC has been organizing iftar parties for the last 24 years,” said P.N.M. Imtiaz, joint secretary. He emphasized the role of iftar parties in strengthening unity and solidarity among Muslims.
The Malappuram committee of Overseas Indian Cultural Congress committee also held an iftar and announced their plan to build a house for Basheer Chelembra, an expatriate worker who died recently while going home from Karippur airport. Basheer had worked for the Makkah clock project.
