A Poverty Parade

Take Zakat [alms] from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it and invoke Allah for them. (Q.S At-Taubah: 103)

When I was having my Iftary meals, yesterday (9/16), a sad - and embarrassing - news appeared on the TV screen. Twenty-one women were killed and dozens of others injured in a stampede in Pasuruan, East Java as crowds rushed to receive a zakat (obligatory alms) from a local muzakki (philanthropist).

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred when a crowd pushed through a long narrow alley leading to the house of Haji Saykhon – whom at first I heard his name was Haji Syaiton (satan) hehehe.. – to receive the obligatory alms for the poor.

There were about 2.000 women trying to get the cash gift of Rp30.000 (US$3.30) each. The doctor said most of the victim victims died from being trampled upon while in a weak physical condition from two weeks of fasting, shortage of oxygen in the thick of the crowd, and high air temperature which reached 32 – 35 Celsius degrees.

On the commercial break, I lose my appetite. Oh my God! All those poor women took the risk to get Rp30.000. It only half of my transportation and meal cost per day.

I don't want to blame anyone in this case. But I think giving the zakat directly to the poor only shows a poverty parade.

Zakat is the cornerstone of Islamic economic system, and paying it creates safety and solidarity in the Muslim community. But, I think, it would be better if the rich donate part of their fortune to organization or mosque, or whoever required under Islamic teaching, which have capability to distribute it into the poor. I believe the organization have better database (though the fact that the government don't have the exact number of the poor ).

But, If the muzakki wants to give it directly to the poor, just in case he doesn't believe such organization, why doesn't he come to their home? So, the poor no need to loose their pride. Who will be proud to be known as the Poor?

Most of the survival said that they would spend it to celebrate Idul Fitri, the festival that marks the end of the Ramadan fasting month. The purchase of new clothes or special foods has been one the first thing to be sacrifice by the families battling the tough of economic times. But, what is Eid without new clothes, good food, or mudik to the home town? I think, it is a time to celebrate and thank Allah for His blessings...