Alhadji Mohammed Abubakar, Chief Imam of Buea, talks on the Moslem practice of giving alms.

How is the alms-giving practice of “Zakat” during Ramadan regulated?

Alms giving “zakat” during the Ramadan period is a pillar on its own. When we talk about the alms of the Ramadan “zakat fite”, this is alms that we give out to somebody who has observed the fasting throughout the month. It is not like it is given throughout the month. It is paid out to the poor from the 27th, 28th and 29th day of the fasting period.

This is to prepare those who do not have food to also feast on the Ramadan day. It is rice or corn. It should be in kilogrammes. For those who do not know the exact measurement, they can use their hands to measure four times for one person. As a family head, for example, I have ten children in my house so I pour for myself four double palms full.

Then I take for my children, my wife and all those who are dependent on me or who work under me or whose subsistence depends on me and even my parents who do not have the means.  That is what it is called the “zakat fite”.

What are the criteria for selecting beneficiaries of the “Zakat”?

Those who do not have, cannot give, obviously they should receive. You can give to anybody who does not have around you including persons from another religion. However, the preference is that you give to those who have fasted to break their fasting.

Which sanctions await defaulters?

Those who do not pay their “zakat” and have the means, those things will come and trample on them on the Day of Judgment saying “This is me you hoarded.”  They will have the same property to give out but then it would be too late for them. The Ninth Chapter of the Coran is clear about that. There are many verses of the Coran that mention the” zakat” but there is one that specifically says what should be done.