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NU: Zakat distribution should be well managed

NU Online  ·  Rabu, 17 September 2008 | 10:26 WIB

Jakarta, NU Online
Deputy chairman of the advisory council of the Indonesia's biggest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Tolchah Hasan said that the distribution of zakat (alms) should be well managed by especially taking into account of those who deserve the alms.

Following the Pasuruan's tragedy which caused some 21 people dead, Tolchah expected the tragedy not to happen again.<>

"It is necessary to give people understanding. Their understanding about zakat is now still little. The case in Pasuruan has showed the misorganization of zakat distribution," hen told NU Online at the NU's headquarters in Jakarta Wednesday.

He said that the people trust to authorized agencies responsible for distributing zakat remained low in addition to the weaknesses of the agencies in encouraging people to pay zakat.

"Perhaps, there has still been such personal interest to pursue popularity amidst zakat payers," former Minister of Religious Affairs said.

Tolchah added that zakat could also be used to be more productive and give positive impact enable zakat payers to become more independent. In this regards, Tolchah said that he had ever give sewing machines and goats to farmers. (mkf)