– M. Naushad Ansari
Patna: Zakat, a fundamental pillar of Islam, is one of the most powerful mechanisms to address poverty and uplift the underprivileged section of the society. While its potential for social transformation is immense, the absence of a structured, collective approach has often limited its broader impact.
Established in 2022, Zakat Centre India (ZCI) aims to address this gap by institutionalising zakat collection and distribution. The organisation works in key areas such as poverty alleviation, education, and community empowerment – striving to make beneficiaries not just recipients but future zakat contributors themselves.
Unlike the traditional model where most Muslims individually distribute their zakat, often during the holy month of Ramadan, ZCI seeks to pool these contributions to bring about lasting, systemic change. Under Islamic guidelines, Muslims are required to donate a minimum of 2.5% of their annual savings to the needy. ZCI’s structured, transparent model ensures that this obligation translates into long-term empowerment and not just short-term relief.
With active units across India, the Patna Unit of ZCI has emerged as a committed force working on the ground to serve local communities. In its first major outreach initiative, a pivotal meeting was held on Sunday, June 2, 2025, at Al-Hira Public School, Sharif Colony, Patna. The agenda was to assess 37 applications for financial assistance received from various underprivileged individuals.
Following scrutiny and deliberation, financial aid amounting to ₹5.6 lakhs was approved for 19 beneficiaries in the first phase of distribution. The support was allocated across the following key categories: Small Business Startups – Helping 13 individuals kickstart income-generating ventures, Livelihood Support (Mu’wasat) – Assisting 3 families with urgent social and economic needs, and Educational Scholarships – Enabling 3 students to continue their academic journeys.
The short-listed beneficiaries were M. Rizwan (Sultan Ganj, Rs. 40,000/-), M. Khursheed (New Azimabad Colony, Rs. 25,000/-), Aliya Khatoon (Gulzarbagh, Rs. 10,000/-), Md. Sajid (Patna City, Rs. 30,000/-), Mahjabeen Tanveer (Shahganj, Rs. 30,000/-), Amir Sikandar (Darzitola, Rs. 15,000/-), Md. Firdous (Phulwari Sharif, Rs. 20,000/-), Nasima Khatoon (Anisabad, Rs. 25,000/-), Simran Perween (Sadiqpur, Rs. 20,000/-), Md. Minatullah (Supaul/Patna, Rs. 40,000/-), Md. Farhan (Sheikhpura/Patna, Rs. 10,000/-), Md. Aftab (Koeritola, Rs. 50,000/-), Raghib Rasul (Subzibagh, Rs. 30,000/-), Malka (Phulwari Sharif, Rs. 50,000/-), Jakir Ahmad (Alamganj, Rs. 10,000/-), Mosharrat Bano (Jehanabad/Patna, Rs. 30,000/-), Malaika Nasheoofa (Phulwari Sharif, Rs. 50,000/-), Md. Guddu (Sultanganj, Rs. 50,000/-), Md. Kasim (Samastipur/Patna, Rs. 25,000/-).
The meeting was chaired and attended by key office bearers and senior members of the ZCI Patna Unit, including S.S. Quadri, Chartered Accountant & President; Mohammad Anwar, Secretary; M Naushad Ansari, Advocate & Treasurer; Mr. Abdul Wahab Ansari, Retired Additional District Magistrate; Dr. Rafi Manzar Hassan, Mr. Mazin, Mr. Zia-ul-Qamar, Mr. Ghulam Shahid, Mr. Manzoor Ali, Retired Special Secretary; Mr. Abdul Mubeen Ansari, Retired A.D.M.; Mr. Tanveer Alam, Retired Indian Railway Services, Mr. Osama Bin Anwar, Mr. Mehtab Alam and Shahzad Rasheed among others. The meeting commenced with a moving recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Mr. Tasveer Alam, setting a spiritual and solemn tone for the event.
Zakat Centre India – Patna remains steadfast in its commitment to transparent governance, need-based allocation, and long-term community upliftment. This is just the beginning of a broader mission – to transform charity into change, and zakat recipients into self-reliant individuals who one day become zakat givers. The next phase of disbursement of zakat fund will be held within two months.
