Self-reliance Project with Zakat Funds
Through the Self-Reliance Project, the As-Sunnah Foundation provides much-needed technical training and materials to the poor. The purpose of this project is to make unemployed and unskilled men and women self-reliant by providing financial assistance and necessary materials through technical training (separately) to enhance their skills.
The importance of earning halal food is immense. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says, ‘After the prayer is over, disperse in the land and seek the bounty of Allah; And remember Allah much, perhaps you may be successful. '(Surah Jumu'ah: verse 10)
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘No one ever eats better food than the food he has earned.’ (Saheeh Bukhari, 2072)
They are given technical training to help the poor in their search for halal food. In addition to acquiring skills through training, at the same time they are taught the basic tenets and rules of Islam through famous Islamic scholars so that they can acquire basic knowledge of the religion and become principled and faithful citizens. So that they can be financially self-sufficient, as well as the true servants of Allah and simultaneously live their life abiding by the rules and ethics of Islam.
We think that providing training, money and materials is not enough for many to become self-sufficient. To this end, we regularly supervise, follow up, and provide necessary advice to those trained, financially supported and material-assisted people by the Foundation. In this way we play a role in creating a skilled and ethically developed working population.
The following programs have been implemented under the Self-reliance Project:
Distribution of rickshaws, vans, cows, goats, grocery items, fishing nets, boats, etc., to economically disadvantaged individuals in 64 districts, benefiting 3,077 people. In 2023, 2,000 rickshaws have already been distributed.
Qurbani (Sacrificing animals) for all
Qurbani for all is part of the regular humanitarian activities of the As-Sunnah Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has been conducting sacrificial activities on behalf of pious rich people among the poor.
Most of the sacrifices are usually city-centric. But more poor people live in villages. It is doubtful whether the number of cows sacrificed in a multi-storey building in the city is the same as in a few villages. Through the Sacrifice for All project, the As-Sunnah Foundation delivers a portion of the sacrifices of the urban rich to the underprivileged poor in remote areas.
Foundation volunteers assist the Foundation in implementing projects at the field level.
Note that the meat is distributed among the poor by sacrificing one goat in full and one-seventh of a cow in full.
So far, under this project, 1,167 cows and goats have been sacrificed and the meat distributed among the destitute in various regions of the country.
Additionally, frozen meat is collected from Dhaka and distributed to the needy people living in the farthest corners of the country through the use of refrigerated vehicles
Distribution of relief to flood victims
Every year, during the monsoon season, approximately 26,000 square kilometers of Bangladesh's land area is submerged due to flooding. At this time, the people living in the northern regions of the country are particularly vulnerable and suffer greatly. In response to this, the As-Sunnah Foundation has been actively engaged in providing relief and support to the affected and vulnerable communities in the flood-affected districts.
The importance and virtue of standing by the side of a distressed and needy person are significant. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 'Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps ease someone in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps the servant as long as he helps his brother.' (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith-2945)
In this context, opportunities are created to stand by the side of the needy and distressed, and by acting upon the above Hadith, one can extend their assistance to others.
The support provided includes essential supplies such as rice, lentils, oil, potatoes, clothes, candles, matches, gas stoves, water purification tablets, and other necessary equipment.
As part of this project, in addition to distributing 1,032 metric tons of food supplies in the fearful floods of 2022, the foundation also distributed milk and fodder for the cattle, as well as 105 cows for distribution among the flood-affected people during Eid-ul-Adha. Moreover, 959 families were assisted in building homes, and 996 affected farmers received financial support of BDT 5,000 each.
