Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Submitted
to
Dr. Amir Hussaint
Adjunct Professor
Department, Economics
East West University
Abstract
Poverty alleviation has been a priority in Bangladesh’s development plans and programs
since 1972. Official and NGO efforts based primarily on IRD (integrated rural
development) and micro-credit models, by 2000 succeeded in eradicating dire poverty
and reducing the overall level to around 50 per cent of the population. Since then
Bangladesh has adopted the UN sponsored MDG which aims to reduce poverty level by
half by 2015. A carefully crafted strategy (PRSP) through much local and international
consultation is essentially based on the elements which succeeded in the 1980s and
1990s.
From the very begging of Bangladesh there are so many NGOs have been running micro
credit poverty alleviation project as well as Government running different types poverty
eradication programs. But The Governmental and Non Governmental PAPs have several
limitations. In order to remove these limitations the Zakat System should be taken in an
efficient way.
If the Zakat system will implement in the way of prescribed in this paper then poverty
might reduce.
3
Acronyms
4
Acknowledgement
This research paper could not have been written without Dr. Amir Hussain who not only
served as my instructor but also encouraged and challenged me throughout my academic
program. He and the other faculty members, Dr. Enamul Haque, patiently guided me
through the dissertation process, never accepting less than my best efforts. I thank them
all. Then I would like to thank my Uncle, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, Chairman of
MACCA for giving me very crucial ideas about Zakat. He provided me with much
insight as to how Zakat can reduce poverty that I had no idea how to perform yet. Special
thanks should be given to Dr. S. M. Ali Akkas, Policy Leadership Unit Ministry of
Women, and Children Affairs Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh who
has given me a dynamic Research Paper regarding Zakat. I would like to thank Dr.
Mizanur Rahman, honorable Research Director, Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited for
supporting me throughout the entire project, and for helping me get through it all. I would
like to thank my beloved Uncles Shah Abdul Hannan, Former secretary, People’s
Republic of Banngladesh and Mr. Azizul Haque, MD Islami Bank Bangladesh limited for
their direction, assistance, and guidance. Finally, words alone cannot express the thanks
to my friends Siddiquer Rahman and Touhidur Rahman, for their encouragement and
assistance.
5
Contents
Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Survey of Literature
1.3 Methodology
Chapter 3: Zakat
Chapter 5: Implementation
Conclusion
6
Chapter 1
Although the concept of Zakat based reducing poverty is very older since 600 AD but the
system is not yet well known to us. None of modern economist came to develop the
theory of “Zakat based poverty reducing System” except a few. The notable studies M
Umar Chapra1, AbulHasan Muhammad Sadeq2. But in the perspective view of
Bangladesh, Dr. S. M. Ali Akkas3 has formed the concept of An Islamic Alternative to
Poverty Alleviation: The “PARSHI” (Neighbourhood) Model. This paper will proceed
based on “An Islamic Alternative to Poverty Alleviation: The “PARSHI”
(Neighbourhood) Model” by Dr. S. M. Ali Akkas. Note that this model is running in
Chandirchar, Zagir Manikgonj Sadar Upazailla by MACCA. This paper has picked up
the empirical evidence from the Piloting project by MACCA4.
1.3 Methodology
The type of research paper is as follows descriptive and analytical which will include
surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds.
Sources of Data: “Reducing Poverty through Zakat System” is based on time serious data
which has been directly collected from MACCA unit of Ideal Village Project. Here is
taken mainly two types of data i) Socio-Economic Background of Villagers (procured in
December, 2005) ii) Monthly disbursement and saving as well as income changes.
Also there are some secondary data has been adopted.
1
M. Umer Chapra, Islam and Economic Development, The International Institute of Islamic Thought and
Islamic Research Institute, 1993, Chapters 3 and 4.
2
“Economic growth in an Islamic economy”, International Islamic University Press, 1991, pp. 55- 72.
3
Policy Leadership Unit Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh
4
NGO Masjid Council for Community Advancement
7
Sample size selection: The frame of sample is eight neighborhood and every neighbor
contains 30 -40 families. Here is one neighborhood has been taken randomly which
neighborhood contains 30 families.
Data processing: Collected all the raw data has been entered in to computer software
(SPSS) and analyzed them in accordance with objectives of the study.
From the very begging of Bangladesh there are so many NGOs have been running micro
credit poverty alleviation project even though the number of hardcore people increasing
day after day. This paper is not against any micro credit or any development programs.
The study regarding NGO found out a few limitations those limitations are highly
interrupting the mechanism of reaching goal. The limitations are following 6
o MFIs are not economically viable due to lack of fund mobilization and high
administrative cost.
o The type of activity for which the funds are used money also be low productivity
activities.
o Institutions do not server the poorest, who are either not given loan or drop out
of credit schemes.
o Grameen Bank borrowers often take loans from other sources to pay installments
and are trapped in spiraling debt cycle
o Some groups of people are not addressed by NGOs, such as a) poorer men b)
hardcore poorest women those who can’t payback c) those who are physically
disorder
66
CDF: Microfinance Statistics, 2002.
9
2.4 Government safety net programs
Government safety net programs are often seasonal and poor impact on the goal. The
safety net programs are basically Food for Works (FFW}, Food for Education (FFE), and
vulnerable Group Development (VGD) Program for disadvantage women and Test Relief
(TR). Among these programs FFW is the largest and second largest programs is the FF. it
is evident that the highest level of delivery of those programs took place in 1995-96
distributing 1078 thousand metric tons of wheat costing Tk. 13,970.9 million and 70
thousand tons of rice valued Tk. 907.2 million. That means, food grains costing a total of
Tk. 14,878.1 million were distributed in 1995-96. It should be noted that the safety net
programs are based on donors’ humanitarian grants with high degree of fluctuations. At
the same time, it is hardly a net transfer mechanism since FFW, the major component of
the safety net programs, is given as wage to construct and repair rural infrastructure7.
Even though there are few poorer areas where the development programs can’t reach
such as
o The people are deprived from FFW programs those who are not capable to work
o The programs don’t run through out the year
o Development programs regard as improving infrastructure which can’t foster the
situation of poorest people.
Chapter 3: Zakat
Zakaat (Arabic: ةاكزzakaat or zakāh, meaning 'grow', 'purify', or 'foster') is the Islamic
concept of tithing and alms. It is an obligation on Muslims to pay 2.5% of their wealth to
specified categories in society when their annual wealth exceeds a minimum level
(nisab). Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
7
Ibid.
10
3.2 Misconception About Zakat
Most of people Most of the people of our country think that Zakat is charity but
according to holy Qur’an the people are ought to give the Zakat if his or her wealth is
above the nisab level. Another common misconception of people that Zakat is only
applicable on the gold, money and nothing else but a pure hadith may crystallize this
perception
Nisb
It is already mentioned above the limitations of PAPs so far have been taken in our
country. In order to solve all the limitations another form of PAP should be taken like
Zakat. More over Zakat is not man made instrument rather it is divinely. It is that system
which narrows gap between the haves and the have-nots, for which the socialists had
been relentlessly fighting during the bygone century, but failed. It is not a fiction but a
part of the recorded history that during the rule of Hazrat Omar (Ra.), the Second Caliph
of Islam, there was not a single man to accept Zakat. All men became rich enough to be
able to give Zakat within 5 years of the introduction of the Zakat system8. Why was the
system proved to be so successful?
The answer is simple. Because, it came from Allah, the Almighty, who is the creator of
everything. Allah, who created men, knows very well how to solve the economic
problems.
8
History of Islam
11
3.4 Principal of Zakat
There are four basic principal of Zakat those are following
o Economy well being within frame work of model of Islam
o Universal brotherhood and Justice
o Equitable distribution of wealth
o Individual freedom within context of social welfare
140,000
100,919
An amount of Tk.
91,777
120,000
83,751
In Million Tk.
100,000
69,254
65,149
collected as Zakat
61,175
57,516
53,187
80,000
49,698
47,213
44,224
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Tk.110,517 million in
20109. Zakah Bangladesh
9
Bureau of Islamic Economic
12
4.2 Interventions by Zakah to Eradicate Urban Poverty
Urban poverty gap is
Fig-2: Percent of Urban Poverty Gap could be
estimated to be Tk. 2,666 in covered by Urban Zakah
1997. That means both
100.0%
urban ultra and very poor
80.0%
can be covered by Zakah 60.0%
20.0%
capita Zakah receipts by
0.0%
urban ultra and very poor 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
10
Bureau of Islamic Economic
13
Assuming that ultra and very poor are covered in the first year of urban intervention
for poverty alleviation, all moderate urban poor can be covered immediately in the next 1
(one) year. That means, within two years time it would be possible to eradicate income
poverty (in terms of calorie intake). This will allow release of urban Zakah money from
the third year to make available for eradication of moderate poverty in rural Bangladesh.
This strategy, if pursued, will lessen the period of eradicating poverty of rural moderate
poor to 5 (five) years instead of 10.5 years.
It is quite
evident from the F ig - 3 : P e r c e n t o f R u r a l P o v e r ty G a p
c o u ld b e c o v e r e d b y R u r a l Z a k a h
Fig-3 that Zakah
collected from rural 1 0 0 .0 %
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
becomes 24.7% in
200511. Z a k a h /P o v e rty G a p :R u r a l
Chapter 5:
Implementation
11
Bureau of Islamic Economic
14
The program would be more than establishing charitable centers covering area of
population that forms neighborhood. Basis of the program would be the notable sayings
of the Prophet (S.M) that “those who go to bed leaving their neighbors unfed are not
Muslims”. This will be an initiative, which will work for a hunger-free community able
to discharge their duty as vicegerents of God. The program components may include
Zakah assistance to eligible persons with a view to build enabling environment for them
so that they are able to lead a sustainable livelihood. Assistance, capacity building, socio-
economic and religious orientations for discharging the responsibility of vicegerency
would be some of the important functions of the program. It would be ideal if the
neighborhood community can be based centering a mosque.
The total program is run by the active participation of the beneficiaries. The
program currently runs in Chandirchar Village under Zagir Union Parishad in Manikgonj
Sadar Upazailla. The number of Parshi stands as of now 8 that engage approximately 300
people. The project is expected to be replicated in other parts of the country after the
successful completion of the piloting
15
5.3 Survey Report
Here is taken only one Parshi as research study the Parshi no 1. The Parshi 1 has been
formed with 30 members in December 2005. The MACCA surveyed their Scio-economic
status which is given below
Parshi 1
Economic Background
Table 2
Occupation
Table 3
17% 17%
Small Business
Agriculture
Rickshaw puller
24% 25% Daily Labor
Service
17%
5.4 Strategy
16
The strategy of MACCA is almost similar with other Microcredit system. At first
MACCA has form an authority there to make a best use of their money and trying to
make sure an optimum use of money by the recipients. At the initial stage MACCA gave
them 100000 taka (one lac taka) to the authority instead of hand of the members in
December, 2005, so each member was receivable 3333 taka approximately. Thereafter
every member was allowed to take the loan according to his/her needs to invest in income
generating something as prescribed by the authority. The members are not in a position
for investment, has been getting 12.5% profit against his deposit. If any member takes a
loan more than that of his or her deposit he/she is liable to share 12.5% profit or loss he
earned against his/ her investment. Beside of this each member who withdraws his/her
deposit he/she is ought to give installment 25 taka against 1000 taka per month. Like this
way the authority is circulating the money. In one word they are following the strategy of
Islamic Banking system.
For example those who are the Rickshaw pullers they used to hire a Rickshaw with 50
taka as a rent per day. If he earns 150 taka per day he would have 100 taka left over his
hand from that of view his income level has gone up by 1500 taka per month after
purchasing Rickshaw by the Zakat money. Let’s take another example those who are
farmers now they are able to purchase seeds, fertilizer, pesticide etc on the time and after
harvesting the farmers very easily pay back. Then those who are little bit physically weak
they are running small business. These are mechanism to foster the velocity money which
role of Islamic economic system. The growth of their income level is following
This project will continue there until making them able to give Zakat. Then the project
will switch to another poor place.
17
Conclusion
The task of every Muslim ummah in creating solidarity with the poor is to struggle with
them to eradicate social injustice and poverty. People do not wish to be poor or simply
happen to be poor. Their poverty is largely the byproduct of capitalism and oppression.
And this is why the Quran stresses the importance of zakat within the society and as an
obligation of the Muslim ummah.
The call for a reliable and efficient zakat collection system is only one side of the coin.
We needed a two-pronged approached to this issue. Firstly, the real standing issues are
whether we as individuals have done our duty to Allah by giving zakat to the relevant
authorities and secondly, whether this fund is managed in a manner that will result in
reducing the poverty rates, dependency and to a large extend creating sustainable
employment for the intended recipients as laid out in the Quran.
18
Bibliography
Name Sources
Amount of Zakat Masjid Council for Community Advancement (MACCA)
Literature survey The holy Quran and authentic hadith, Akkas, S.M.Ali (1999) An Islamic
Altrnative to Poverty Alleviation: The “PARSHI” (Neighborhood) Model
Income Inequality through Akkas, S.M.Ali (1999) An Islamic Altrnative to Poverty Alleviation: The
“PARSHI” (Neighborhood) Model
market mechanism
Zakat collectable in Bureau of Islamic economics
Bangladesh
Poverty classification Internet
http://www.zakatguide.org/english/zakat_guidelines.html
Percent of Rural Poverty An Islamic Alternative to Poverty Alleviation: The “PARSHI”
(Neighbourhood) Model Paper Presented By
Gap could be covered by
Rural Zakat Dr. S. M. Ali Akkas
Policy Leadership Unit
Ministry of Women and Children Affairs
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Paper Presented in the
International Seminar on
Islamic Alternative to Poverty Alleviation: Zakat, Awkaf and Microfinance
24-26 November 2006
1
Other sources HDR 2005 – Country Fact Sheets, Bangladesh,
http:/hdr.undp.org/statistics/data/country_fact_sheets/cty_fs_BGD.html
1
Akkas, S. M. Ali (1999). Simulating Role of Zakat in Poverty
Alleviation of Bangladesh under a Dynamic Computable General
Equilibrium Model, Policy Studies Series 1, Centre for Development
Studies and Services Network, Dhaka.
Thank you
19