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People spread joy of Idul Fitri through alms
In Indonesia, the giving of zakat (obligatory alms for Muslims) usually spikes during Ramadhan and Idul Fitri
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People give zakat (alms) at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Friday. During Ramadhan, Muslims are obliged to pay special alms that are distributed to those in need. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
In Indonesia, the giving of zakat (obligatory alms for Muslims) usually spikes during Ramadhan and Idul Fitri.
Mosques and alms agencies in Jakarta distribute the funds so the needy can enjoy Idul Fitri like other citizens.
Lautze Mosque in Central Jakarta, for instance, has handed out alms to around 350 people in need, as well as 50 people who converted to Islam.
“For the needy, we gave money and staple commodities like rice, while for the converts we gave prayer equipment and Rp 500,000 [US$38] in cash,” the mosque’s public relations head, Yusman Iriansyah, said on Tuesday.
Yusman said the number of zakat recipients this year was higher than last year, when the mosque could only assist around 200 people.
According to Islamic teaching, there are eight types of eligible recipients of zakat: fakir (the destitute), miskin (the poor), riqab (people in bondage or slavery), gharim (people burdened with debt), mualaf (those newly converted to Islam), fisabilillah (those who are struggling in the path of God), ibnu sabil (travelers) and amil (alms collectors).
Another mosque giving out alms is Al-Muhajirin Mosque in Bekasi, West Java. Located in Cikunir, it collected 2.4 tons of rice and Rp 115 million from donators this year.
The mosque distributed the alms to Pesantren (Islamic schools) and low-income individuals. The mosque’s operations head Arief Fariyanto said the amount of money received was higher than last year.
“Last year we got Rp 74 million. Maybe it is because people’s awareness about alleviating poverty has increased,” he said. (adt/iwa)
