Paying the annual zakat can now be done on a trip to Bawadi Mall in Al Ain, as the Zakat Fund launched its first ATM-style donation machine there yesterday.
Zakat, or alms, is required of every Muslim who can provide a day's worth of food, once a year. Although many people prefer to give zakat directly to people they know who are in need, and some send it to troubled countries, the UAE-based Zakat Fund distributes donations to the needy.
The launch of the ATM comes as part of the fund's efforts to reach the maximum number of people, said Abdullah al-Muheiry, its secretary general.
"This new service will serve people for not only paying their zakat but also for calculating it. Zakat can be paid cash or through cheques or credit card. Machines are programmed to receive all currencies," he said.
Intisar abu-Ayad, a 45-year-old resident in Al Ain from the Palestinian Territories, welcomed the idea as "innovative and civilised".
"We usually send our zakat through the fund's bank account," she said, "but this is definitely more convenient, because we already go to the mall whether the machine is there or not. So why not pay our zakat while we are there?"
There are already 11 Zakat Fund ATMs in government buildings, malls and co-ops in Abu Dhabi emirate.
hdajani@thenational.ae
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The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
The specs: 2018 Ford Mustang GT
Price, base / as tested: Dh204,750 / Dh241,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 460hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 569Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.3L / 100km
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
