The zakat institution must be more proactive as a social instrument for addressing hardcore poverty.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The zakat institution must be more proactive as a social instrument for addressing hardcore poverty, in line with the MADANI government’s agenda based on the values of compassion and Islamic social responsibility, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the government is giving serious attention to resolving hardcore poverty, and this effort must be supported by all Islamic institutions.
“Sometimes we treat zakat as a mere ritual — simply about paying zakat — but we forget that the foundation of a nation’s institution lies in zakat and economic policies that must address the plight of the marginalised, neglected and poorest groups.
“That is how important zakat is in the context of eradicating poverty and fulfilling social responsibility towards the underprivileged; it is a vital institution,” he said when officiating at the Masjid MADANI Permatang Pauh development project in Taman Arowana here today.
Also present were Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
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