KUWAIT: It is obligatory under Sharia for every Muslim to give Zakat towards the end of the holy month of Ramadan, but before Eid Al-Fitr, so that it will enable the poor to buy new clothes for the festival season.
Besides Zakat, there is also alms-giving and the Muslims set apart larger amounts for alms during Ramadan compared to other months. In Kuwait, people pay Zakat through the kiosks erected in different locations of the country. We usually find them near the co-ops, shopping malls, or near the mosques. It is considered an easy way to deposit the amount that one can contribute according his capacity, without feeling shy about the amount being paltry.
However, since last January's terrorist attacks in Kuwait, the Islamic charity works have come under wide vilification as sources of financial support to terror outfits. And, as a consequence, the authorities have ordered the kiosks, licensed as well as the unlicensed, to be dismantled.
Even the two money boxes (Zakat and Alms) in the kiosk installed by the Zakat House were seen covered with a sticker recently, and the box next to it for collecting used clothes was also removed from there. People are now forced to look for the government-nominated offices to donate alms or Zakat, which is a difficult task, especially for those who do not have cars.
Besides, the Zakat offices do not work 24 hours, making it more difficult for those who work split duty to reach there during the working hours. Even if they make it on time once, the new arrangements will probably deter people from going there frequently.
Recently, the Zakat House announced a new 'courier' service, which is to visit people at their houses and collect alms and Zakat. This system has a disadvantage because if the donor is a poor man he will be inhibited to offer his measly sum to the courier.
Undoubtedly, the situation is more complicated now and it deprived support to many needy people, especially those outside Kuwait. The Zakat House recently decided to keep their area offices open till midnight, which brings some relief to the problem.
By Nawara Fattahova
© Kuwait Times 2005
