A Senior Lecturer at the Accra Technical University, Dr Shani Bashiru, has urged Muslims to practice frequent payment of zakat, a compulsory charitable practice in Islam, in minimising poverty and promoting social cohesion.
He explained that Zakat, which requires Muslims to give 2.5 per cent of their annual earnings to the poor and needy, has the potential to eradicate poverty in Muslim communities. "The compulsory Zakat has the ability to promote social cohesion and solidarity and minimise the adverse effects of inequalities associated with resources, wealth, education, power, influence, So Muslims are enjoined to give 2. 5 per cent of their annual earnings in the form of Zakat to help people in need," he explained.
Speaking at the 27th M.A Mujahid Annual Ramadan Lecture series held in Accra on Sunday on the topic; 'The Role of Islamic Charity (Zakat) in Strengthening Social Solidarity and Reducing Inequality,' organised by the Ghana Academy of Muslim Professionals (GAMP).
It was held on the "Ramadan Message of Peace: A blue Print for Harmonious Coexistence in Ghana," and the lecture aims at sensitising and conscientising the Muslims in the country about issues affecting their day-to-day spiritual, political and socio-economic development.
