Use zakat to secure prisoners’ release: Group

A citizen group of Muslim professionals in Maharashtra and Gujarat have appealed to the devotees to use the zakat they pay during the month of Ramzan to help secure the release of hapless persons languishing in jail, as they cannot afford to pay the bail amount. The professionals have said they are trying to get a list of eligible persons from the Inspector General (Prisons) to ensure that only deserving persons benefit from the initiative.

According to advocate Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh, a high court lawyer who stays at Mahim, many young boys, especially those belonging to the Muslim community, find themselves behind bars for petty crimes. “Though the bail amounts are sometimes very low, just because neither the accused nor their relatives can afford to pay the same, they end up spending two-three months in jail while the court has granted them bail,” said Mr Shaikh. He added that the group of professionals from Mahim had already approached the prison officials from Mumbai and Thane jails asking for a list of accused who are awaiting provision of bail.

Similarly another group of Muslim professionals have started working on a similar plan in Ahmedabad. Sajid Sayed, who has been working closely with various prisons in Gujarat, said that Muslims tend to pay huge amounts towards zakat in the month of Ramzan. “It is recommended for devotees to release slaves in this month, but as slavery does not exist anymore, Muslim devotees can contribute towards securing the release of accused persons after verifying whether they deserve to be helped,” said Mr Sayed.

According to Sharia law, Muslims have to pay zakat, which is a religious obligation for all who meet the necessary criteria of wealth. It is not a charitable contribution, and is considered to be a tax. It is obligatory upon all Muslims to give 2.5 per cent of wealth and assets each year (in excess of what is required) to the poor.