House of Zakat raises Shs 916 million, offers scholarships

Moslems have been encouraged to observe the third pillar of Islam commonly known as Zakat in a move aimed at bridging the gap between the rich and the poor in Uganda.

This as the Muslim community around the country donated over 900m and several items to the poor and persons with disabilities as they gathered to commemorate the annual event at Wandegeya mosque where House of Zakat and Waqf Uganda gave out a cheque worth Shs 916 million.

The managing director House of Zakat and Waqf Uganda Dr Anas Kaliisa told Moslems who are still reluctant in giving Zakat that they could miss out on blessings from Allah and this could ruin their lives.

He says Zakat should be observed as required.

The House of Zakat through contributions from several moslems around the country and and abroad offered over 150 scholarships to children of the underprivileged this year as well.

As Moslems observe this pillar, the haves give 2.5% of their total earnings to the have-nots

According to Dr Kaliisa government has as well been supportive in this, and Moslems engaged in this give out 5 % of their income tax to Zakat instead of URA.

Several items like refrigerators, stoves, tailoring machines, mattresses, saucepans were given out.

The beneficiaries were very excited and grateful to the Muslim community for always coming to their rescue.