– M. Naushad Ansari
Patna: Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, stands as a powerful instrument for poverty alleviation and social upliftment. Yet, in the absence of an organised framework, its potential for long-term transformation has often remained underutilised.
Established in 2022, Zakat Centre India (ZCI) has sought to bridge this gap by institutionalising zakat collection and distribution, working in key areas such as poverty eradication, education, and community empowerment. Its mission is not merely to provide short-term relief, but to enable beneficiaries to become self-reliant – and eventually, zakat contributors themselves.
Unlike the traditional practice where zakat is mostly distributed individually during Ramadan, ZCI pools contributions from across the country, ensuring strategic, transparent, and impactful allocation. Under Islamic injunctions, Muslims are required to donate at least 2.5% of their annual savings to the needy – a duty ZCI transforms into sustainable community development.
The Patna Unit, an active arm of ZCI, has been making notable strides at the grassroots. In its second outreach drive for FY 2025–26, a review meeting was held on August 3, 2025, at Al-Hira Public School, Sharif Colony, Patna, to evaluate applications from economically vulnerable individuals. Following a detailed survey, verification, and deliberation process, ₹4.3 lakh in aid was sanctioned for 14 beneficiaries under three categories:
- Small Business Start-ups – Enabling five individuals to launch income-generating ventures.
- Livelihood Support (Mu’wasat) – Extending urgent medical and social assistance to four families.
- Educational Scholarships – Supporting five students in pursuing or continuing their studies.
Beneficiaries and Allocation:
- Azam (₹25,000), Tauseef Ansari (₹20,000), Fatima Khatoon (₹12,000), Md. Amjad (₹20,000), Abid Ansari (₹30,000), Aiman Tuba (₹8,000), Kulsum Subhan (₹50,000), Aas Mohammad (₹25,000), Md. Idaris (₹10,000), Md. Kareem (₹50,000), Md. Emadussalah (₹50,000), Kayenat Fatima (₹50,000), Md. Amir (₹40,000), and Rumana Tabassum (₹23,500).
This follows the first phase of FY 2025–26, during which ₹5.6 lakh was distributed in June among 19 beneficiaries.
Alongside the disbursement, the Patna Unit Advisory Council was reconstituted following the expiry of its first tenure. The 15-member council now includes Syed Saifullah Quadri (CA), Mohammad Naushad (Advocate), Manzoor Ali (IAS Retd.), Quamar Warsi, Abdul Wahab Ansari (ADM Retd.), Md. Anwar, Khawaja M. Irfan, Ghulam Shahid, Mobin Ali Ansari (ADM Retd.), Dr. Rafi M. Hassan, Dr. Zeyaur Rahman, Dr. Abbas Mustafa, Zeyaul Qamar, Syed Nashoor Ajmal, and M. Neyaz Waris.
With its commitment to transparent governance, need-based allocation, and sustainable empowerment, ZCI–Patna continues to demonstrate that charity, when channelled strategically, can become a catalyst for lasting change – turning recipients into future givers.
