Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid has stated that Zakat-Al-Fitr trains Muslims to be more merciful towards those less fortunate.

He made this remark in a sermon delivered during the Friday prayers at the United Nations, which was led by the Maldivian minister.

Highlighting that Zakat-Al-Fitr plays an important communal function and is an act that brings the people closer to the poor and needy in the communities, PGA Shahid stated that Zakat-Al-Fitr helps develop bonds within communities, trains people to be more generous, compassionate and merciful towards the less fortunate.

The Maldivian minister highlighted that as humans, we have a responsibility towards one another, noting that humankind has been honored as a whole, by virtue of being human.

As such, he shed light on how the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught respect for the human soul, each other and for humanity.

PGA Shahid stated how Muslims are also reminded to be generous in the fasting month of Ramadan, especially to increase their charitable acts, Zakat being one of them as one of the five pillars of Islam and an integral part of Muslim faith. 

Muslims are obliged to pay Zakat-al-Fitr to the poor and hungry during the fasting month of Ramadan each year, before the commencement of Eid-al-Fitr.

PGA Shahid went on to describe Zakat as an act of purification and repentance, one that brings people closer to almighty Allah.