Chairman of Baznas Bambang Sudibyo stated that the president gave alms, and hoped it will be used for the poor in Indonesia through the Baznas programs.
Sudibyo said Jokowi had set a good precedent for fellow Muslims by giving charity to the official alms management.
The objective of giving alms is to purify the property of the person, Sudibyo remarked.
It is believed in Islamic religion that every person should give alms, particularly to purify their property and wealth, which they have to share with others.
According to Sudibyo, the Baznas had collected alms worth Rp3.6 trillion in 2015. Meanwhile, the agency has distributed alms totaling Rp2.2 trillion to the needy.
The alms were funded by agencies that operate in central, provincial, and district areas.
Sudibyo remarked that the Baznas agencys almsgiving campaign can increase the total collected funds in 2016.
The chairman said the agency had also developed a digital program to manage almsgiving by utilizing the website, www.kitabisa.com. Thus, Indonesian people can give alms through the website.
Giving alms is an obligation of every Muslim and is included in the Five Pillars of Islam.
Muslims giving alms must meet the wealth criteria based on their income.
(Uu.B019/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
