Muslims can pay their zakat this year by donating meals or food parcels to help those in need.
In-kind contributions will help people who have lost their jobs, are on unpaid leave or have had salary cuts due to the Covid-19 outbreak, said Dubai’s Grand Mufti.
Zakat is a sustained payment calculated based on the payer’s annual income using a percentage.
It is not just a fundamental pillar of Islam but also a potential way of easing the suffering of millions of people through a sustained charitable effort.
And, this year, food donations are being encouraged to help those who cannot afford to buy essentials.
"Zakat can be paid to those affected by the current conditions in the form of food or meals as it fulfils one of the Sharia principles to help the needy,” said Dr Ahmed Al Haddad, Grand Mufti of Dubai and director of the fatwa department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities.
"Vulnerable communities are in critical need for food as [they] stay home during this unprecedented crisis.”
Muslims in the country have also been urged to pay their zakat earlier this year.
"This is an exceptional situation. People have suffered financial losses as businesses have been put on hold while they stay at home," Dr Al Haddad told The National.
"They are the ones who need food and essential commodities."
This week, the UAE Fatwa Council had also asked Muslims to pay their zakat “as quickly as possible” to help those suffering during the ongoing pandemic.
The fatwa to pay zakat early during a crisis is common and has been recognised by Muslim scholars throughout history, said Dr Al Haddad.
He cited an example of when Prophet Mohammed allowed his uncle Al Abbas to pay his zakat earlier to people in need during that time.
The Grand Mufti urged contributors to support the 10 million meals campaign that was launched on Sunday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
“As a part of this campaign, meals will reach those in dire need,” he said.
The 10 million meals campaign, the country’s biggest community campaign, was launched to ensure nobody sleeps hungry in the UAE.
Dr Al Haddad suggests people should assess the needs of the less fortunate and then help them.
“Is he in need of cooked meals? Or is he in need for Mir Ramadan – a basket containing home [food] essentials? If you are not sure, then give him cash,” he said.
The Grand Mufti also reminded Muslims that providing food to those fasting during Ramadan is rewarding.
Muslims believe that providing an iftar meal to a fasting person is rewarded with the same deeds as the one who is fasting.
"Providing meals this year fulfils the zakat. Feed those who are fasting and help the needy,” he said
“I call all to pray to God to get us out of crisis. The prayer of a fasting person is likely to be answered. We need God’s mercy."
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
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Quick facts on cancer
- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
- About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies
- The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s
5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s
7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004
8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100
9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
Semi-final fixtures
Portugal v Chile, 7pm, today
Germany v Mexico, 7pm, tomorrow
THE BIO
Favourite author - Paulo Coelho
Favourite holiday destination - Cuba
New York Times or Jordan Times? NYT is a school and JT was my practice field
Role model - My Grandfather
Dream interviewee - Che Guevara
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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