(MENAFN Press) Zakat means 'purity' or 'to purify' and it represents charity, all Muslims who are wealthy enough, must perform this charity in order to purify their wealth in the eyes of Allah.
In other words, Allah blesses us with wealth, it is therefore our duty to give some of this back to those most needy, which purifies the rest of our wealth.
Commenting on the importance of Zakat, HE Ameera Bin Karam, Founding Member and President of FoCP, remarked, "Zakat strengthens the bonds of love and affinity within society and as such is a vital form of social solidarity.
It fosters compassionate actions and creates unity within society, allowing the needs of the poor to be fulfilled especially those who are in need of, but cannot afford, medical care."
Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), an affiliate of the Health Education Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, is the sole charitable foundation in the UAE, dedicated to promoting public awareness about cancer and organizing awareness campaigns about different types of cancer and its related malignant diseases.
HE Ameera Bin Karam, Founding Member and FoCP President, received the cheque of Dhs1 million from Abu Dhabi National Islamic Finance.
Speaking on the occasion, HE Ameera Bin Karam, FOCP President and Founding, said, "It is an unfortunate fact that as there are large numbers of cancer patients who cannot afford the cost of treatment and are therefore in desperate need of funds.
When companies' commit to allocating part of their Zakat funds for the support charitable societies, it sets an example that must be emulated by other public and private institutions and individuals.
The Sharia Fatwas allow allocation of Zakat funds for treating needy patients, thus enabling society to provide services of great benefit to our community, as well as ensuring the its sustainable safety.
It is a matter of great pride that wherever you may go or whichever country you might visit you can find Emirati philanthropists at work."
In 2011, FOCP received donations worth AED700,000, which enabled it to help 100 patients. The donations where from various donor bodies, most notably the Sharjah Cooperative Society, which donated Dhs200,000, in response to the FoCP's Zakat Campaign.
FOCP also received donations from Noor Islamic Bank, which donated AED150,000, as well as from a number of individual philanthropists who donated AED350,000.
Abu Dhabi National Islamic Finance (ADNIF) has donated Dhs1m to Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), an affiliate of the Health Education Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, as part of its Zakat funds, on the sidelines of a panel discussion held with a group of journalists.
Held at the Council in late June, FOCP members gave an overview on the Society's upcoming activities for the second half of 2012 along with a detailed presentation on its previous achievement.
Established in 1999, Friends of Cancer Patients is dedicated to providing both chemical and psychological treatment to cancer patients, in addition to providing moral support to the families of patients and training them on how to deal with cancer patients.
The Society consists of both male and female volunteers, including doctors, nurses, individuals, students, and the families of patients from various nationalities, who have undertaken the responsibility of helping and supporting cancer patients.
