Zakat transforming lives of underprivileged in Malerkotla

Enthusiasts from local Muslims organisations have succeeded in changing lives of several underprivileged people by supporting them in earning their livelihood, higher education and giving Samawat (monthly financial assistance) under the banner of the Zakat Centre of India, Malerkotla unit.

Since formation of the organisation in 2022, its office-bearers and activists led by president Mohammad Taj Rana have impacted lives of 476 people and families dependent upon them by helping in earning livelihood, getting higher education and by offering regular monthly financial assistance.

Mohammad Irshad, an office-bearer of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Malerkotla, appreciated that local unit of the Zakat Centre of India had succeeded in spreading awareness about collection and proper appropriation of Zakat that was associated with Ramadan. Many Muslims choose to pay their annual mandatory 2.5 per cent wealth as charity during this holy month, he said.

“Though there are large number of other beneficiaries and receivers of Zakat, donors normally do not monitor or regulate the end use of money contributed by them,” Irshad said, maintaining that beneficiaries of the Zakat Centre of India provided guidance and technical or organisational support following commencement of the venture or educational course.

Outfit secretary Adil Khan said the local Zakat Centre of India was one out of the 34 units working under governance of the central body for the past four years.

Though the organisation had been serving all categories and communities in case of distress or natural calamity like floods, providing livelihood, higher education and monthly pension were among three major focus areas of the human service, he said.

“According to a set protocol, we invite applications for receiving financial benefits upto Rs 50,000 under three focus areas — livelihood (60 per cent of the total budget), higher education (20 per cent) and Mawasaat (monthly pension of Rs 1,000 (20 per cent),” he said.

The office-bearers expressed satisfaction over several beneficiaries earning their livelihood through financed motorbike rehris, e-rickshaws, grocery stores in streets, tea shops, vegetable and fruit vendors, embroidery, boutiques and haircutting salons, who had started giving charity for the poor instead of receiving Zakat.

Students pursuing BAMS, pharmacy diplomas and degrees, LLB, BEd, BCom, BA and MA degrees were faring better than their counterparts hailing from prosperous families, they said.

“Shariah Council, the Department of Shariah Audit, New Delhi, has issued a Shariah Compliance Certificate after examining necessary documents and records confirming that the Malerkotla outfit is working in accordance with the principles of Shariah,” they said.