Social Affairs capable of delivering Zakat? Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH ? The Ministry of Social Affairs says it has the capability to deliver Zakat, including the money of charities, donations of philanthropists, be they individuals or organizations, to needy families registered at charitable societies across the Kingdom. The ministry called on donors not to encourage begging by giving charity or Zakat to beggars in the streets, mosques, or to families or individuals whose conditions are not known. Muhammad Al-Awad, the ministry?s spokesman, said the Kingdom?s 610 charitable societies are willing to provide the information of those who want to help needy families, widows, orphans, old people, the disabled, abandoned women and others.? He said that the charity system in the Kingdom stipulates that Zakat and Sadaqa amounts are to be handed over to charitable societies at their offices, or by depositing the amount in their bank accounts Each charity has a bank account allocated for Zakat money from which no sums are disbursed unless it is in accordance with the Shariah, he said. For more details the ministry can be reached at 4778888 extension 1446 or 4775243. __
