Generosity comes alive every day at the Islamic Center in small and big ways, whether it's providing a warm meal or medical attention to those going through hardship. And working diligently behind the scenes to help brothers and sisters in need is the Zakat Committee. After each Jumma'a prayer, the committee meets community members requesting zakat funds for basic necessities that many of us take for granted such as clothing, food, furniture, or paying utility bills.
"Indeed, the men who give zakat and the women who give zakat and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward." (Qur'an 57:18)
"We help people with many things," says Wafa Tarifi, head of the Zakat Committee. We will pay bills, or parts of rent, or grant food coupons."
One time, a doctor donated a hair transplant surgery for a young burn victim, she explains. "He closed his clinic for the entire day and brought in two nurses. Then he did the eight hour surgery for free. When he finished the surgery, he thanked me for helping her."
Wafa recalls how she became involved in serving the community. "I have always made it a point to come to the masjid, but after 9/11, I was scared and I knew that I needed to come more often," she says. "Dr. Maher Hathout told me I shouldn't be scared. Instead, I should show them who we Muslims are. Not long after that, I became a part of the Zakat Committee. I love it and have been a part of it ever since."
If you, or someone you know, are in need of zakat assistance, please stop by the front desk before Jumma'a prayers to fill out an application to meet with the Zakat Committee.
To financially contribute to the charitable fund, please write "Zakat Fund" on your envelope or in the memo portion of your check. Or you can donate gently used clothing, shoes and accessories to those in need at our "Pack the Truck" event in September. More details to come!
