Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Friday described zakat, the almsgiving in Islam, as an effective system in poverty alleviation in the society.
"Zakat is an important economic system based on Islamic Sharia. Through this, a balanced distribution of wealth between the rich and the poor is ensured. Zakat is an effective system for poverty alleviation and establishing equality in the society," he said.
The adviser said these while speaking at a financial assistance distribution program at Omar Gani MES College ground in Chittagong.
Khalid Hossain distributed zakat money worth Tk40 lakh among 200 helpless, distressed and marginalized people in the program organized by Noor-e-Habib Foundation with the support of Al Manahil Welfare Foundation Bangladesh.
The adviser said that through zakat, it is possible to meet the basic needs including food, clothing, shelter and medical care of the poor and distressed people.
Zakat improves the quality of life of the poor and helps them get out of the vicious cycle of poverty, he said urging the affluent people of the society to provide zakat according to Sharia law.