There are many rituals and traditions in the Muslim religion that are sometimes questioned. Zakat, a period of Ramadan in which wealthy Muslims are expected to give money to those who are less fortunate, is the latest Muslim tradition under scrutiny after 21 people were killed in a stampede Sunday in Indonesia.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast from dawn until sunset, but besides the self restraint that is learned from fasting, generosity is also important. The generosity part is known as the Zakat. Wealthy families are usually expected to give small donations to poor Muslims. The donations are usually an amount that would equal about $4 here in the U.S.
It is a great thing that sharing wealth is a part of the Islamic religion, but at some point, restrictions must be placed on Zakat. First, there was no security on hand. The local government claimed they had no prior knowledge of the handouts taking place, but there should at least be a plan in place. This area is highly populated with Muslims, and it is common knowledge that, during Ramadan, large groups often gather looking for handouts. There were 10,000 people that participated in the gathering on Sunday in Indonesia, making it hard to believe that the local government had no knowledge of what went on. If the country takes religion so seriously, then there should be a better plan in place for the next time something like it happens.
Another note of the stampedes is that almost all of the people involved were either women or children. he Islamic religion often oppress women, and this is no different. Women are forced to beg for these handouts because they are not allowed to participate in a lot of paying jobs.
The Muslim religion has been built on these traditions, but it is clear that Zakat is in need of change. Not only does it humiliate their women, but it is apparently deadly as well.
Link to Original NY Times article
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/world/asia/16indo.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin
September 17, 2008 at 3:12 am
Well written and explained. Sometimes topics like this can be hard to understand, but you interpreted it well.
When you add a link, don’t reveal the full URL. Highlight the text, such as “Link to original NY Times article”, with the link.
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