During the time of Ramzan besides the religious fervour seen within the Muslim community, a primary aspect of the month long fasting is charity. The community engages in different forms of charity which is stated to a major part of Ramzan. the first form of charity that is quite popular is giving of Zakat. “it is mandated upon every practicing muslims to give Zakat which is 2.5% of their earnings. This is mandatory and one of pillars of Islam,” said the president of Navi Mumbai based Quran the truth Foundation (QTT) Dr KP Sharif.
Zakat is one of the primary means seen as uplifting the needy of the community and is usually sought by organisations that work for various social causes like sponsoring education funds, food services etc.
“ Since Zakat is mandated and it can be given round the year but by and large the calculations and distribution of the funds are done during the Month of Ramadan as it is the month when Quran was revealed so the significance is huge,” said Tousif Shaikh, resident from Belapur.
As Eid approaches among muslim households a common practice is calculating the Zakat to be given. Besides the income, it also includes the possession of gold and silver jewellery, properties , vehicles etc. “ Anything and everything that is not in use is to be accounted for in zakat. So if it is gold then it is to be measured and as per the quantity and present rate the value is calculated and on that 2.5% is to be allocated for zakat. The same goes for properties as well as other possessions. The concept is simple: a portion of the wealth is to be given to the downtrodden,” said Nerul resident Asma Khan.
Another form of charity prevalent in the community during Ramzan is Fitra. “ This form of charity is done following the sighting of the Eid Moon. It is to be done by way of giving food supplies that would ensure that no muslim household goes hungry during eid. So members will distribute daily supplies like rice, dal, oil etc to the needy and the rough calculation is the same as the Zakaat ie 2.5 kg per person,” said a resident from Kharghar Naziya Sayyed.
While Zakat and Fitra are done during Ramadan, Muslim households practice charity on a daily basis by offering Sadqa. A money collection box can be seen placed in most Muslim households wherein on a daily basis some amount is put. It is stated to be a voluntary act and done as per individual choice. “ Sadaqa is done through the year wherein any amount can be given or collected and then dispersed. We have a box wherein right from Rs 1 to any higher denomination is collected and then given to the needy later on. It's not calculated like zakat yet holds great meaning from the righteousness,” said Alim Shaikh a resident of Nerul
