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Western Cape Region SEPTEMBER 2007
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RAMADHÁN.......the month of the glorious Qurán - the month of saum - the month of taraweeh soláh - the month of Fitrah, Fidyah and Sadaqát, Alhamdulilah
It is perhaps significant and symbolic that we regard as our most important month of the year, the month of Ramadhán. We are once again afforded the opportunity by Allah to formulate the proper balance between our worldly aspirations and our spiritual aspirations. May the Almighty Allah accept our prayers, charity, sacrifices and shower us with His blessings and favors. May He grant us the wisdom and health to help ourselves so that we could help others in need, Ameen. Casework - R 7 986 901 distributed One of the main features of SANZAF's casework is the importance of evaluation. We do not operate on a "you come, you get" basis. Each applicant is considered and evaluated according to stringent but warmly humane criteria, personal interviews and home visits. The trained staff of SANZAF are aware that they deal with Zakáh and Sadaqát and must ensure that the recipient is eligible in terms of the Shariah of Islam. Zakáh Seminar
SANZAF hosted a series of public workshops in South Africa, presented by Dr Monzer Kahf, a leading international scholar in Islamic Finance and Economics. The Cape Town workshop, presented on the UCT campus, was attended by 122 participants. Dr Kahf's presentation was viewed as vibrant and refreshing in that he recognized the need for progressive thinking and ongoing ijtihad on matters where differences of opinion prevail. Workshop Evaluation An analysis of survey forms completed in Cape Town indicated that the workshop was evaluated as excellent by over 50% of attendees. The survey forms also indicated that the content, practical usefulness, presentation and facilitation of the workshop were exceptionally good. All participants, without exception, regarded the workshops as a good investment of their time. The resounding success of the workshops has given SANZAF a clear signal that such events are needed and that future projects should include similar forums of benefit to the public Winter Warmth Relief Update
On the Cape Flats, we have experienced a consistent growth and expansion pattern of informal settlements. Unemployment, socio-economic challenges and lack of proper housing are some of the major factors which have influenced the establishment of these settlements. Many of the informal settlement areas targeted by SANZAF for distribution were affected by the realities of winter - torrential rains and freezing temperatures and subsequently received disaster status from the authorities. Since December 2006 to August 2007 SANZAF distributed 9.7 tons of clothing, 2200 blankets and 5 614 meals in 16 impoverished areas in the Cape Peninsula, Boland and West coast.Operation Fitrah
SANZAF
being the premier Zakáh collecting and distributing agency
in
South Africa, effectively co-ordinates Operation Fitrah on behalf of
140 Masájid and organizations. During
Ramadhán 2006, SANZAF distributed R1.5 million fitrah in the
form
of Id food parcels and clothing to 12 130 families. This year,
Insha-Allah, SANZAF hopes to increase the distribution amount with the
participation of more Masájid and organizations handling
fitrah. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said;"Prevent them (the poor and needy) from begging on this day (the day of Id )." Empowerment Project Update
According to our records 141 students completed short certificate and diploma courses in various fields that will enable them to secure meaningful employment, Insha-Allah. At least thirty university and technicon students will be graduating this year in various fields such as law, medicine, commerce, Islamic studies, and accountancy. Questions & Answers
Q:
Who are the
persons exempted from fasting? Anonymous - Lansdowne A: The following persons are exempted from fasting: * The person who is too old and feeble to
fast. PLEASE
CONTACT
YOUR LOCAL AALIM FOR THE SHAFI AND HANAFI
DIRECTIVES ON WHO SHOULD FAST QADHÁ
FOR THE DAYS MISSED DURING RAMADHÁN Fitrah
- R20.00 minimum per person for the month of Ramadhán
Fidyah - R10.00
minimum per person
per day
SANZAF distributes Fidyah daily during the month of Ramadhán. Fidyah is utilised to provide sustenance for Suhúr and Iftár to needy families Borrowing and Debt
We are not supposed to borrow unless it is necessary
to borrow. If it is beyond our control and we have no choice
but to borrow out of necessity, we should make a written agreement with
a sincere intention and effort to repay the debt. Pay back in due time. It is unjust to request an extension of the repayment time if you are able to repay the debt on or before the due date. To do so is a blameworthy act. Nowadays, it is very easy for individuals to fall into debt. The availability and widespread use of credit cards make it very easy for people to run up large shopping bills and debts. Instead of it being a facility, credit cards have become a source of burden for many people. Resulting debts create mental strain and worry and also family and social tension. "I seek refuge with Thee from poverty. And I seek refuge with Thee from the overpowering of debt and the oppression of men," is part of an often repeated supplication of the Prophet Mugammad (SAW). Tip of the month Do not only think of the payment of Zakáh as a duty ..... but as a divine privilege! |
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NPO: 007-160 | PBO: 930001714
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Operation
Fitrah is an annual project of SANZAF for the past
32
years and forms an integral part of its Ramadhán Programme. 
The word 
We
should try to relate our consumption to our income remembering the
saying of the Prophet Mugammad (SAW): 
