Al-hodeidah: The branch of the General Authority of Zakat, in coordination with the local authority in Al-Hodeidah Governorate, launched on Wednesday the Ramadan charity projects for the year 1447 AH at a total cost exceeding 700 million rials.
According to Yemen News Agency, the projects include the distribution of 20,000 food baskets at a total cost of 400 million rials; the conclusion of the in-kind zakat project from crops and fruits amounting to 228 million rials benefiting 23,000 families; and the dates zakat project consisting of 3,092 cartons at a total cost of 20 million rials.
The charity initiatives also encompass the distribution of 30,000 iftar meals at a total cost of 50 million rials, benefiting 1,000 families, as well as organizing a communal iftar project at Al-Shaab Park at a cost of six million rials for poor and needy individuals who frequent the park.
During the launch ceremony, Al-Hodeidah Governor Abdullah Atefi affirmed that the inauguration of these projects is in response to the directives of the leader of the revolution, Abdulmalik Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi, to care for the poor and needy and address their needs, especially given the challenging circumstances facing the country.
He noted that these humanitarian initiatives embody the principle of social solidarity and highlight the importance of zakat in meeting the needs of the underprivileged, praising the efforts of the General Authority of Zakat in transforming zakat funds into tangible projects that reach beneficiaries across the governorate's districts with transparency.
First Deputy Governor Ahmed Al-Bashri explained that this year's Ramadan charity projects are distinguished by their comprehensiveness and diversity, covering the largest possible number of the most vulnerable families. He pointed out that the scale of the implemented projects reflects significant progress in collection and disbursement mechanisms and in directing resources toward community priorities.
Al-Bashri emphasized that the current phase requires concerted official and community efforts to strengthen solidarity and compassion, describing the Ramadan charity projects as a practical model of integrated performance between the local authority and the General Authority of Zakat in serving the most vulnerable groups. He called on businessmen and zakat payers to promptly pay their due zakat to the Authority, as the entrusted body responsible for allocating zakat according to its legitimate channels.
During the launch, attended by Deputy Governor for Services Mohammed Hulaissi, Deputy Head of the General Authority of Zakat Ali Al-Saqqaf stated that the Ramadan charity projects fall within a comprehensive annual plan aimed at expanding the base of beneficiaries and ensuring zakat is distributed in accordance with approved Islamic guidelines. He affirmed that the Authority is committed to delivering zakat to its rightful recipients through the eight recognized categories, praising the level of zakat awareness among the people of Al-Hodeidah Governorate and their commitment to fulfilling this important religious obligation, which contributes to purifying wealth and achieving social justice.
Meanwhile, Director of the Zakat Office in Al-Hodeidah Mohammed Hazaa explained that the launch of the Ramadan charity projects aims to reinforce the principles of social solidarity embodied in the third pillar of Islam. He noted that these projects are part of a strategic plan to support the most vulnerable families in society. He added that field teams across various districts are working diligently to ensure that in-kind assistance, food supplies, and iftar meals reach their rightful beneficiaries, emphasizing that through these initiatives, the Authority seeks to revive the values of compassion and benevolence.