Letter: Lives risked for alms

Wed, 10/08/2008 10:27 AM  |  Reader's Forum

A philanthropist in Pasuruan, East Java, who has doled out zakat (Islamic obligatory alms) peacefully on the 15th day of Ramadan since 1975 faced a tragic incident recently in this year's distribution.

Thousands of poor people pushed against each other when they were jostling to obtain Rp 30,000 (US$3.21) per person. As a result, many of them were trampled underfoot and unable to breathe, ending in the death of at least 21 people. Unfortunately, the alms committee was small and no health personnel were around.

As such mishaps have frequently taken place, in the future alms distributors should seek police assistance to ensure better security and order, along with the support of medical personnel when necessary.

The distribution of serial numbers to eligible recipients several days before the alms are doled out is another alternative, although ideally zakat should be channeled through competent institutions.

HARIYANTO IMADHA
Bojonegoro, East Java

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