The movement Hall in Parkside, Gqeberha, buzzed with activity over the weekend leading up to Eid-ul-fitr, the recent Islamic celebration which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Community volunteers packed close to 600 hampers which were distributed to needy Muslim families in Nelson Mandela Bay.
These Eid hampers were made possible by those who fasted and paid their obligatory fitra, a donation of a specified amount which must be paid before the Eid prayer.
The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) of the Nelson Mandela Bay plays a key role in the collection and distribution of fitra and zakah, the required two and a half percent of a Muslim person’s wealth.
Nationally, SANZAF served over a million meals to needy families to enjoy before they commenced the day’s fast and to break the fast at sunset. The organisation also distributed close to 30 tons of dates and more than 60 000 Ramadan hampers.
In Gqeberha, SANZAF called upon the community to assist with the fitra hamper packing and distribution.
“It was heart-warming to see so many people, including the kids, come together to contribute. The sense of community was overwhelming and it’s amazing to know that these hampers make a difference on Eid day for those who need it most,” said Moulana Salmaan Fredericks, SANZAF (Nelson Mandela Bay) chairperson.
In addition to Ramadan and Eid food hamper distributions, SANZAF’s mandate is to ensure poverty alleviation amongst the Muslim community. The organisation’s stance is to teach a man to fish rather than give him the fish. To this end, 29 students are studying at various tertiary institutions this year with the support of a SANZAF bursary. Meanwhile, several emerging entrepreneurs are on a business incubation programme, while others are on self-help training programmes.
