Sana'a: The Office of the General Authority for Zakat in the Capital Secretariat launched the Zakat al-Fitr and cash assistance projects benefiting 136,000 people, with a total value of 2.72 billion Yemeni riyals, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the poor and needy.
According to Yemen News Agency, during the launch, attended by Minister of Health and Environment Dr. Ali Shayban and Deputy Director of the Presidency Office Dr. Yahya Al-Mahaqri, the Capital Secretary Dr. Hamoud Abbad emphasized that zakat is one of the greatest pillars of Islam, closely associated with prayer in all of God's guidance due to its profound significance as a religious duty. He explained that zakat ensures wealth does not remain concentrated among the rich and achieves a level of sufficiency among the needy and poor, as a mercy from Allah to His servants.
Dr. Abbad highlighted the role of the revolutionary and political leadership in directing zakat funds according to the paths intended by Allah, stressing the importance of strengthening social cohesion, solidarity, and compassion, which are the unity that Allah intends in hearts, souls, and in fulfilling the needs of the nation.
He pointed out that the implementation of this project, distributing cash assistance related to Zakat al-Fitr to 136,000 poor and needy families, represents one of dozens and hundreds of projects channeling God's blessings and the generosity of believers to all poor and needy individuals, along with other zakat recipients.
Dr. Abbad praised the efforts of the General Authority for Zakat and its persistent development in delivering zakat to all those in need, in accordance with the standards of justice emphasized by God and Islam, consistent with the spiritual value prescribed in the Qur'an.
He affirmed that this distribution and its framework strengthen social solidarity and counter the criminal aggression that sought to exacerbate poverty and deprivation in a society founded on love, compassion, and jihad.
For his part, the Chairman of the General Authority for Zakat, Sheikh Shamsan Abu Nashtan, noted that the Zakat al-Fitr and cash assistance project, benefiting 136,000 poor families in the Capital Secretariat, is one of the most important projects now administered in a decentralized manner through the Authority's offices across governorates.
He commended the Capital Secretariat and the Zakat office for accommodating poor families in this project across all ten districts of the Capital Secretariat.
Sheikh Abu Nashtan stressed the Authority's commitment to distributing Zakat al-Fitr starting today so that the Eid day becomes a day of widespread joy, where the poor and needy do not feel deprived or in need compared to the rest of society. He noted that zakat is a legal right of the poor from the wealth of the rich, and its payment brings goodness, blessing, growth, and societal well-being.
He called on businessmen and wealthy individuals to promptly pay their zakat to help alleviate the suffering of the poor, needy, vulnerable, and support them in meeting life's necessities so that everyone can share in joy and prosperity.
He emphasized to the staff of the Zakat Authority the importance of feeling the responsibility and great trust in implementing this religious obligation, warning that no one has an excuse before Allah for neglect or omission, as the poor and needy will hold them accountable on the Day of Judgment.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Zakat Office in the Capital Secretariat, Mohammed Al-Alfi, highlighted the importance of this project as part of a series of initiatives carried out throughout the year, covering health, humanitarian, and financial aspects under the eight lawful zakat channels, with an integrated vision to reduce the suffering of the poor and provide relief under the country's difficult circumstances.
He explained that the tangible projects we witness today are fruits of the 21 September Revolution, thanks to generous donors who contributed their zakat, ensuring its benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries.
He also urged merchants and the well-off to promptly pay their zakat, noting the great reward in supporting the poor and needy, especially as zakat today reaches beneficiaries through clear and transparent mechanisms reflecting the spirit of solidarity, compassion, and communal welfare.
The launch event, attended by several deputies from the Zakat Authority, the Capital Secretariat, the Endowment Authority, and members of the Zakat Authority Board, included a documentary flash showcasing the Zakat al-Fitr project in 2025.
Following the ceremony, the Capital Secretary, Minister of Health and Environment, Chairman of the Zakat Authority, Deputy Authority Director Ali Al-Saqqaf, Chairman of the Capital Secretariat Social Affairs Committee Hamoud Al-Naqeeb, Director of the Zakat Office in the Secretariat Mohammed Al-Alfi, and other officials inaugurated the distribution of Zakat al-Fitr and cash assistance to beneficiaries at the Tahrir Post Office in the Capital Secretariat.