MUMBAI: With the sighting of the new crescent moon on Saturday, the holy month of Ramzan commenced on Sunday, bringing with it a renewed focus on fasting, prayers, and acts of charity. While widely known for its spiritual significance, Ramzan is also a time when many in the Muslim community contribute to social causes through zakat, a mandatory form of charity requiring Muslims to donate 2.5% of their annual savings.
Against this backdrop, Mumbai-based NGO Global Care Foundation has intensified its efforts to secure the release and rehabilitation of first-time offenders and non-habitual crime accused from jails. Over the past seven years, the Foundation has facilitated bail for more than 1,200 inmates across Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Pune.
Recently, the organization, in association with Islam Gymkhana, launched an initiative titled “Together, Let Us Free Prisoners.” Founder and managing trustee Abid Ahmed Kundalam emphasized that their mission extends beyond securing release, focusing on reintegration and removing the stigma attached to incarceration. “Justice should not be a privilege of the wealthy. It must be accessible to all. Zakat enables us to give deserving individuals a second chance,” he stated.
The Foundation prioritizes aiding first-time offenders and individuals jailed for minor crimes while steering clear of those accused of serious offenses such as rape and murder.
Islamic scholar Mufti Ashfaque Kazi highlighted that prisoners in need qualify for zakat as one of its eight eligible categories. “Slavery has been abolished, and today, prisoners seeking a second chance are among those who deserve to be helped,” he noted.
Congress MLA Amin Patel, who has closely followed the Foundation’s work, acknowledged the need for structured rehabilitation. “Many inmates remain in jail due to the lack of bail money or legal aid. The Foundation not only helps secure their release but also works towards their reintegration, making it a worthy cause for zakat contributions,” he said.
As Ramzan progresses, initiatives like these continue to gain momentum, reinforcing the role of charity in transforming lives and offering individuals a chance to rebuild their futures.
