Prof. Dr. KH. Noor Achmad, MA | Cermah Tarawih 15 Ramadhan 1446 H | Masjid Istiqlal, Jakarta

Summary

This video script is a powerful and heartfelt address focused on the importance of zakat, charity, and its role in strengthening the Islamic economy. The speaker highlights the significance of zakat as a means to purify wealth and bring blessings, referencing the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad. Emphasizing its vital role in supporting the poor, the needy, and economic growth, the speaker discusses various initiatives by Basnas (Indonesian Zakat Organization), including providing scholarships, supporting small businesses, and assisting disaster relief efforts. The speech concludes with a call to action for continued generosity, especially for those in need, including Palestinians in Gaza.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of zakat, infak, and sedekah is emphasized as essential elements for both individual spiritual growth and societal development, with the intention to purify wealth and individuals.
• 😀 The speaker highlights that zakat is a means to purify both the wealth of the giver and the giver themselves, promoting both human and divine aspects in the process.
• 😀 Zakat and salat (prayer) have been prescribed by Allah since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), showing their deep-rooted significance in Islam and their continuous relevance.
• 😀 Basnas (the National Amil Zakat Agency) follows the Quranic principles in its approach to zakat, aiming to help those in need and to promote a spiritual purification process for the donors.
• 😀 The program emphasizes supporting the poor, orphans, and those in need, with efforts such as scholarships, where over 53,000 students have been provided financial support for their education.
• 😀 There is a focus on helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs), such as local businesses, by providing support like capital and management training, which helps uplift the economic status of the community.
• 😀 Basnas has also been involved in building homes for the underprivileged, with over 11,800 houses built so far to help families attain decent living conditions.
• 😀 The speaker mentions that, beyond local support, Basnas also contributes internationally, such as through efforts to provide aid for Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.
• 😀 The speaker discusses the difficulties faced in delivering aid to Gaza, including logistical challenges and blockades, yet emphasizes continued cooperation with various organizations to ensure the aid reaches its destination.
• 😀 A major goal of the zakat programs is to raise individuals from poverty, enabling them to become self-sufficient and eventually contributing to the community as zakat donors themselves.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the sermon in the transcript?

The central theme of the sermon revolves around the significance of zakat, infak, and sadaqah (charitable acts) in the context of Islamic economic development, as well as their spiritual and social importance.

Why is zakat emphasized alongside prayer (salat) in Islamic teachings?

Zakat is emphasized alongside prayer because both are fundamental acts of worship in Islam, and they serve dual purposes: fulfilling social responsibility and purifying wealth, as well as purifying the giver's soul.

What is the purpose of zakat according to the speaker?

The purpose of zakat is not just to purify wealth, but to purify the person giving it (the muzaki). It also serves to strengthen societal welfare by redistributing wealth to the needy.

How does Basnas contribute to the empowerment of the poor and underprivileged?

Basnas contributes to the empowerment of the poor through various initiatives such as providing scholarships, supporting small businesses (UMKM), and constructing homes for those in need. They also offer financial support for people affected by natural disasters.

What is the significance of the phrase 'innama' mentioned in the sermon?

'Innama' is used in Islamic jurisprudence to indicate that something is the primary or exclusive purpose, emphasizing that the act of giving zakat is meant specifically for aiding those in need, as mentioned in the Quran.

What are some of the groups that benefit from zakat as per the transcript?

Zakat benefits eight specific groups: the poor (fakir), the needy (miskin), zakat collectors (amil), new converts (mualaf), those in bondage (rikob), the debt-ridden (garim), those fighting in the path of Allah (Sabilillah), and travelers in need (ibnu sabil).

How many scholarships has Basnas provided and what is the impact on the recipients?

Basnas has provided scholarships to over 53,500 individuals, including students from various countries such as Egypt, the UK, and Russia. These scholarships aim to empower the underprivileged and help them achieve higher education and better opportunities.

What role does Basnas play in providing disaster relief?

Basnas plays an important role in disaster relief by providing aid to victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Additionally, Basnas contributes to international humanitarian efforts, notably for Palestine.

What challenges does Basnas face in sending aid to Palestine?

One of the main challenges Basnas faces is the difficulty of getting aid into Gaza due to border closures and strict regulations. Despite this, Basnas continues its efforts by collaborating with organizations in the region to ensure aid reaches those in need.

How does Basnas support small businesses (UMKM) in Indonesia?

Basnas supports small businesses (UMKM) by providing them with capital, management training, and products like Z-Chicken and Z-Coffee. This assistance helps small-scale entrepreneurs thrive and contribute to the local economy.