Doha: The HSBC Amanah has started an online community initiative by the name 'Amanah and You', a new section in its website, where anyone can access its 'Amanah Cares', 'Amanah Wishes' and 'Box of Hope'. The sections in the website offers an opportunity to learn about Zakah1, Sadaqah (charity giving) and send each other e-greeting cards drawn by orphans and less fortunate children in the UK and the UAE.
The users of the website can also read about HSBC Amanah's 'Box of Hope', the first global Ramadan campaign by an international Islamic bank, which gets the whole family excited about contributing to less fortunate children during Ramadan.
"We have developed this website because HSBC Amanah believes it is important for customers and others in the community to have an online space where they can learn about certain significant principles of Islam from a trusted source and use online tools such as a Zakah calculator and exchange e-greeting cards. We thought beyond just having the website as a place for customers to do their transactional banking online," said Razi Fakih, Deputy CEO of HSBC Amanah.
Under 'Amanah Cares', the Zakah section provides information on the topic, from guidelines, to how to pay and who can receive Zakah. Most importantly, it also has an online Zakah calculator, which lets users know the amount of Zakah payable once they fill up the various sections on assets and liabilities. The Zakah calculator is approved by HSBC Amanah's Central Shariah Committee. Users of the website can also learn about Sadaqah, its different types, guidelines and why one should give to charity.
Through 'Amanah Wishes', those visiting the website can send friends and loved ones cards for various occasions such as Ramadan, Eid, anniversaries, birthdays and weddings. Another section, the 'Box of Hope' explains how parents can use the boxes provided by HSBC Amanah to foster the spirit of sharing and giving among their children this Ramadan.
Parents can take the boxes from any HSBC branch and encourage their children to fill it with toys, clothes, shoes, books or stationery that they would like to donate to orphans or less privileged children. Parents can then go to the website to find the nearest location to drop the boxes.
Those who visit the website can also download interactive activities such as a monthly value-based calendar and playbook so their children can learn other values such as obedience, honesty and caring for the environment. The website also has other suggestions on how parents can teach their children about Ramadan, an FAQ on Ramadan and Muslim prayer times.
© The Peninsula 2011
