TN Muslims ready to pay zakat

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With the Ramzan month nearing its end, Muslims in the state are rushing to pay their zakat (tithes).

Zakat, which means “giving of alms” in Arabic, is one of the five pillars of Islam that requires Muslims to give a small percentage of their income to charity.

“We must not forget our responsibility to help the underprivileged, especially during the festive season,” said Meer Iqbal hussain, a central government employee.

“The apparent wisdom in zakat is to satisfy the needs of poor and establish bridges of love and brotherhood among members of the Muslim community. By paying our tithe early, the funds can be distributed in time to help the poor celebrate Eid,” he said.

Quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an, he said, “Sadaqat are only for the poor who do not beg and the poor who beg and those employed to collect them, and for attracting the hearts (of those who have been inclined towards Islam), and to free the captives and for those in debt and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer a due imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” [9:60]

“As Allah has given us the opportunity to pay zakat to help uplift the poor and downtrodden, I believe the money donated should be properly channeled to one particular place, to eradicate poverty,” opined Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali.

“Rich and educated Muslims should come together and float an organisation to mobilise funds and help the needy,” he said.