Memes push for direct Zakat on social media

​Hyderabad: The Direct Zakat Movement started with the objective of ‘stirring up the conscience’ of youth two years back has now got wider acceptance on the social media during this Ramzan that sharing their wealth with the less fortunate is a way of positive life.

According to conservative estimates, the Muslim community in the city alone raises around Rs 300 crore during the month of Ramzan, as it is considered that every good deed during the holy month would be rewarded 70 times more than the normal months by Allah.

Some Zakat payers were of the view that the donations should directly reach the beneficiaries rather than routing them through charitable organisations or madrasas. Right now, a few memes on the Zakat movement have been going viral on the social media.

One of the reasons, for the proponents of the Direct Zakat Movement to take up the campaign was that they have noticed despite huge amounts being collected by intermediaries, including madrasas, the prime objective of helping the poor was not being achieved.

Talking to The Hans India an activist Ilyas Shamshi of Reformers Front of India said, “our objective is to help uplift the poor within the community and ensure that they stand on their own feet.”

While the campaign had gained popularity and more people were now showing interest in direct Zakat, certain organisations who feel that this would affect their fund flow had resorted to attacks on activists like him. He said a complaint has been registered at the Golconda police station.

The Zakat is made mandatory for well-to-do households and customarily 2.5 per cent of total savings and wealth of a family is given as Zakat. This is paid to destitutes or the close relatives who are facing poverty, those who are debt-ridden and those who are stranded in journey among others.