Zakat, the compulsory sharing of a certain percentage of one's wealth with deserving people, is a means of ensuring social solidarity and a way to ensure that everyone has something to live upon, observed the Zakat Committee in the Wilayat of Al Seeb.
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and it makes sure none would sleep hungry and that everyone will get a due share from others in society.
"Zakat and other means of alms giving in Islam are important as they play a role in consolidating the concept of social solidarity. At the same time, we need to ensure that there is 'lrga' and equal distribution of wealth among all the deserving categories in the society," said Shaikh Ahmed bin Saud al Siyabi, Secretary-General of the Office of the Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman.
The Committee held a symposium on Quality in Zakat Management on Monday which touched upon several key areas.
Dr Mohammed bin Salem al Kharousi, Director of the Zakat Department, and scholar Omar bin Rashid al Shuaibi, Chairman of the Zakat Committee in the Wilayat of Al Seeb, praised the efforts of the committee members as well as pointing out the importance of such seminars aimed at educating the community about the importance of ensuring the quality of Zakat.
The symposium also included an introductory overview of the achievements of the Zakat Committee in the Wilayat of Al Seeb and also included a dialogue session on Zakat in Islamic law and its role in achieving economic development and the importance of doing charity and providing support during the month and beyond.
The symposium envisaged that the law of Zakat establishes the rights of the poor to support and help, and releases those who are held as debtors.
"Zakat has the power to change the world. It starts with you paying it and the feeling is shared all across the globe," Shaikh Omar bin Rashid al Shuaibi, Chairman of the Zakat Committee in the Wilayat of Al Seeb, said.
Several memorandums of understanding were signed between the Zakat Committee in the Wilayat of Al Seeb and some institutions to enhance partnership and cooperation between them.
BOX
Zakat eligibility:
1) The poor, which means low-income or indigent.
2) The needy, meaning someone who is in difficulty.
3) Zakat administrators.
4) Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, meaning new Muslims and friends of the Muslim community.
5) Those in bondage (slaves and captives).
6) The debt-ridden.
7) In the cause of God, and
8) The wayfarer, meaning those who are stranded or travelling with few resources.
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