Projects we are working on
In a time constrained commercializing world of today many well placed Muslim find it difficult to adhere to the rules of Zakat. Who deserve to receive Zakat, what their needs are, where to find them etc.. are questions many ask, particularly those Muslims brethren who have left their hometowns in Sri Lanka and migrated to richer countries for employment. Since 1957, the Ceylon Baithulmal Fund(CBF) has set itself up to collect Zakat and other forms of donations from the Muslims from anywhere and distribute them strictly adhering to the Islamic rules of Zakat management. The CBF is engaged in many activities, and CBF-channeled benefits also go to widows, students, and people in debts, childcare, health and nutritional programme, water and sanitation development, consummation of marriages, improving employable skills, and income generation and self employment programmes.
The CBF has also launched another project recently code named COMFORT, to develop a preparedness facility to respond to disaster emergencies. The CBF has a network of voluntary workers across the country for information gathering and to monitor activities on the ground to ensure that funds distributed are used for the specified purpose. The CBF is managed by the committee under the leadership of a retired Supreme Court Judge, and audited financial reports of the CBF are published annually.
1. Income support scheme
Modest amounts are granted to start home based enterprises. An allowance to assist widows during their Iddat period is also comes under this.
2. Scholarship scheme
Advance Level (A/L) students from low income families are assisted financially to gain entry into the universities, and those entering the universities continue to receive our assistance. We also administer memorial scholarships.
3. Sewing school
Free instructions in sewing embroidery & fabric painting are given to 75 unmarried girls for one year. Prizes for best performance are also awarded, usually out of well wisher's contributions.
4. Interest free loan scheme (Qard Hassana)
There are 2 schemes; ordinary loans up to Rs.5,000/= and specific distress loan not exceeding Rs.50,000/=. For both these, gold and gold jewellery will have to be pledged.
5. Marriage expense support allowance
Rs.5,000/= is granted to augment expenses. This is granted to 20 persons in a month, 10 days prior to the wedding. A register is maintained to record the applications.
6. Miscellaneous
Small amounts are granted to meet house repair expenses including provision of utilities.
7. Medical Aid
Free spectacles and invalids support equipment are granted besides purchasing low cost drugs for the needy. Rs.2,000/= to meet incidental expenses during hospitalization is also granted.
8. Projects development
This is a new venture. Identifying main problems in the Muslim majority villages and to help provide solutions with foreign funding is the goal here.
9. Computer center
A three months course in basic computer skills including general English is conducted by CBF computer center. Only a nominal fee of Rs.500/= for the center is levied.
COMFORT (Consortium of Muslims Foundered Operations of Relief Tasks
This is the code name for a Disaster Management Preparedness Unit, setup with the cooperation of other like minded organizations. CBF acts as convener because of its respectable position in the society. A separate bank account is maintained for this.