ZAKAT CAN HELP EMPOWER PEOPLE AND ERADICATE POVERTY

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 6 (Antara) - The end of the fasting month of Ramadan is a joyous time for the poor because they get 'zakat' from other Muslims.          Muslims are required to give alms, also known as zakat fitrah, to the poor at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. At other times of the year, Muslims are required to give 'zakat mal' from their income.          Since 90 percent of Indonesia's population, which is approximately 240 million, are Muslims, alms have the potential to eradicate poverty. In fact, Indonesia can collect close to 217 trillion alms every year. Sadly, only one percent of this amount is collected on a yearly basis. Despite such low figures, the National Islamic Charity Board (Baznas) has been able to increase its zakat collection every year.          "Last year, Baznas managed to collect Rp2.7 trillion, an increase by 27 percent compared to 2011," said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, after a meeting with the executives of Baznas recently.          Based on research conducted by Baznas, the Bogor-based Institute of Agriculture (IPB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Indonesia should be able to collect Rp217 trillion in the form of zakat this year.          According to Didin Hafidhuddin, Chairman of Baznas, his charity board was only able to collect Rp2.73 trillion last year. This year, it has increased its target to Rp3 trillion.          President Yudhoyono expressed hope that the alms programme of Baznas would help eradicate poverty and empower poor people.