Asalam-Alaikum:
Happy Ramadan once again. As you well now, it’s a time to recommit ourselves to our faith and our community , to spend time in prayers, supplications and it’s a time for self-discipline, spiritual renewal, uplifting of the less fortunate amongst.May Allah accept our prayers and service to our community (Ameen)In relation to Zakah, Quran says: “The offering given for the sake of Allah are [meant] only for: the poor and the needy, and those who are in charge thereof, and those whose hearts are to be won over, and for freeing of human beings from bondage, and [for] those who are overburdened by debts, and for [every struggle] in Allah’s cause and for the wayfarers (Qur’an, 9:60)
When we try to understand this verse in our current context, we realize that our Zakah can be used to: directly support the poor and needy, to cover administration costs of collecting and administering the donations to those in need, fund public relations efforts, help liberate oppressed populations, support every effort to serve the cause of God in establishing justice, emanating mercy, and guarding the freedom and dignity of all of humanity and help those who have been deprived of the dignity and security of a home (e.g. the homeless, refugees, and the seekers of political asylum).
MPAC, nationally, and MPAC-WNY, locally, is actively engaged in the activities highlighted above and, hence, eligible to receive your Zakah.
Please make your Sadaqa and Zakah donation generously to MPAC Foundation and mail it to MPAC-WNY 6343 Transit Rd. Depew, NY 14043. MPAC Foundation is a tax-exempt organization.
May Allah (SWT) reward you for your generosity (Ameen)
Khalid J. Qazi
Founding President & Senior Adviser
Muslim Public Affairs Council of WNY