Fak Kurba during the holy month of Ramadhan

BADER AL KIYUMI - baderalkiyumi@hotmail.com - Charity is very important in Islam, more so during the holy month of Ramadhan.

The citizens of the Sultanate — like their brotherly countries in the Gulf — along with their worship, also indulge in charity and in feeding the poor.

A number of charity campaigns are spearheaded by various voluntary organisations in the Sultanate. Many campaigns contribute to the society through different support systems. These campaigns intensify during Ramadhan.

During the holy month, I was following the ‘Fak Kurba’ campaign which is organised by the Omani Lawyers Association (OLA).

In my personal view, this campaign is a relief from distress and is considered as one of the best charitable projects in the country. This is because the project aims at raising funds in accordance with the system and laws of the Sultanate.

‘Fak Kurba’ is a voluntary goodwill campaign which aims to release prisoners and those who are in jail because of their debts.

The campaign started in 2012 by the Lawyers Committee in coordination with Supreme Committee for Judiciary and is designed help those imprisoned over financial problems.

During its first phase, the campaign managed to secure the release of about 44 prisoners. In 2014 about 304 prisoners get their freedom, while in 2015 the figure shot to 432.

But unfortunately, due to lack of funds, the campaign was not initiated in 2016. Hence, the officials are planning to help a large number of prisoners this year, provided enough funds are collected.

The money is used for the release of prisoners against whom there are financial claims resulting from civil or commercial lawsuits or labour cases.

The OLA recently launched the fourth edition of its charitable initiative for the release of prisoners.

This campaign is managed by many lawyers towards helping not only the prisoners but also their families.

However, their families need the breadwinners to take care of their family and spend for them. Many prisoners are breadwinners in their families.

Despite problems and challenges faced by the association, they are doing their best to make a difference. Also, through this campaign, the association help released prisoners to return to their normal lives and open a new chapter in their lives.

There are many unfortunate ones who spend their punishment in the jail. Their children leave their school and work at the traditional market with measly income.

The Ministry of the Social Development pays the prisoners’ families welfare salaries if they deserve them.

Many Omanis, with the support of other nationalities, are helping out citizens in distress.

OLA is currently accepting donations from individuals and private companies as well for the campaign.

In Al Dhahirah Governorate, one man — who refused to reveal his name — paid for the release of all prisoners who deserve to get their freedom according to prescribed conditions.

During the holy month of Ramadhan, it is our duty to bring happiness and joy to those miserable prisoners and their families.

It is hoped that a large number of prisoners will be released by the time of Eid al Fitr. Thanks for the Omani Lawyer Association for their efforts to help the prisoners and their families.