Zakat Fund giving increases by 118 per cent

Giving at the Zakat Fund has risen to Dh29.5 million in the first half of this year, officials say.

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DUBAI // The amount of proceeds received by the Zakat Fund for the first half of 2011 reached Dh29.5 million, a 118 per cent increase over the same period last year, according to officials.

Additionally, the number of alms givers has increased by more than 300 per cent, officials said.

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Abdullah bin Aqeeda Al Muhairy, the secretary general of the Zakat Fund, said the increase in the number of individuals who are giving donations is an indication of their growing trust and confidence in the Fund.

Mr Al Muhairy also said the Fund fosters this trust through periodic reports that inform benefactors about the social projects and charitable activities for which the money is distributed.

He explained that the Zakat Fund also has a policy of constant communication with those who contribute. One of those channels, he said, is visits by Zakat Fund officials to benefactors in which they explain how the money is being spent. Benefactors also have access to reports that demonstrate the disposal of zakat money through legitimate channels.

The Zakat Fund is a federal body that facilitates obligatory annual charitable donations by Muslims.

balqabbani@thenational.ae