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Momodou Lamin Touray Takes SIC Presidency Unopposed

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:45:54 GMT

Monday, August 18, 2008

Alhagie Momodou Lamin Touray, a renowned Islamic scholar based in Gunjur, Kombo South, was yesterday elected president of the Supreme Islamic Council (SIC) on the second day of the council’s 4thGeneral Congress.

Momodou Lamin Touray and 10 others went unopposed following the end of term of the former executive.

The other executive members are: Alhagie Sheriff Bojang, 1stVice President; Sheikh Gibril Kujabi, 2ndVice President; Dr. Mbye Kebba Kah, Secretary-General; Ebrima Touray, Deputy Secretary-General; Ajaratou Jainaba Dibba, Assistant Secretary General English; Cherno Darboe,Assistant Secretary-General Arabic; Baba Drammeh Junior, Treasurer; Alhagie Mamadou Lamin Kanteh, Assistant Treasurer; Alhagie Baba Bubacarr Drammeh, Auditorand Aja Maimuna Savage, Assistant Auditor.

In his farewell speech, the outgoing president of SIC, Alh. Banding Drammeh, assured the new executive of his continued support. He called for unity and understanding among Muslims in the country. The names of these executive members were announced by the Returning Officer, Alhaji Mustapha Carrayol, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

For his part, President-elect Alhagie Momodou Lamin Touray thanked God for his divine intervention. He also thanked Muslims for the trust and confidence they bestowed on the new executive. He concluded by appealing for the support of the entire Muslim community.

Earlier, in declaring the congress officially opened on Saturday, Ismaila Sambou, Secretary of State for Religious Affairs, urged the incoming executive to endeavour to jealously safeguard the achievements registered by the outgoing executive over the years. He encouraged them to develop projects that will enhance the economic wellbeing of the citizenry.

In his financial report, the outgoing treasurer, Sheikh Abdullahi Minteh, revealed that they have a total income of D16,600,984.99 out of which they spent D16,535,460.06 with an excess income of after expenditure of D65,524.93.

Alh. Kebba Landing Sanyang, the outgoing Auditor, confirmed these reports as correct.

Mohammed Lamin Sarr, former Secretary General of the council, outlined the activities carried out by the council. He urged the new executive to take good care of the council’s facilities both at the Doha Conference Centre and the Imam Training Centre. He said that since they took over office in 2003, there was no standby budget for the council but with a well-defined plan of action, they managed to make significant progress. He thanked President Jammeh and all those who supported the council.

The 4thSIC congress held at its new headquarters in Kanifing, along MDI road and attended by delegates from across the country, was held under tight security.

Author: By Nfamara Jawneh

Source: Picture: Alhagie Momodou Lamin Touray (New President of the Supreme Islamic Council)

SIC calls for a halt on Shi’ate publicity

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:27:40 GMT

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, the umbrella body of all Islamic institutions in the Gambia, has conveyed a strongly worded statement, requesting all media institutions in The Gambia “to stop all programmes advocating and defending the Shi’ate beliefs.

” The statement, signed by the out-going president of the Council, calls for a halt to any form of publicity, with immediate effect, arguing that it was passing the order in accordance with its mandate as the principal advisor of government on matters of Islam.

Author: DO

Banding unsure of SIC presidency

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:58:57 GMT

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Alhaji Banding Drammeh, the incumbent president of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (SIC), is unsure of his re-election for another term as the president of the country’s supreme Islamic body.

Alhaji Banding Drammeh’s statement came ahead of the forthcoming national congress, slated for August 16 to August 17.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Observer, Mr Drammeh said he “wishes not to vie” for the presidency, after serving the council for a five-year term, but he was quick to add that he may take the position if offered by the general assembly at the congress.

Presidency

“The council has not yet announced a presidential candidate. The general assembly will elect eligible candidates, who will be at the helm of the affairs of the council for another term,” he said.

According to Mr Drammeh, the fourth national congress, which will take place at the Doha Conference Hall of the new council building, will be attended by delegates from all the regions of the country. He said the two-day gathering will enable delegates to study various reports of the council, as well as elect a new executive.

He disclosed that the congress is expected to be attended by a score of dignitaries, notably the secretary of state for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Ismaila Sambou.

Achievements

Commenting on their achievements, Mr Drammeh said his term has seen a massive transformation of the council, noting that the country’s Muslim body can now boast of independent headquarters, which comprise a standard conference hall, a mosque, as well as a training institute for Imams and scholars.

He noted that other major projects, such as the administrative building and a mosque are also being constructed, adding that the construction of a restaurant is also in the pipeline.
The resolving of disputes among various mosque committees across the country, as well as inter-religious crisis, are among other achievements registered by the council under his leadership, according to him.

Imam Drammeh used the opportunity to commend President Jammeh for his moral and financial support to the council and hailed the Amir of Qatar, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Endowment, and the Saudi Islamic Relief Services, for sponsoring the council’s headquarters project.

He also thanked the Gambian ambassadors such as Dr Mangum Ceesay, Ousman Badgie, and Mustapha Bojang, for their support towards the construction of the council’s headquarters.

He finally called on the Muslim Ummah to uphold the principles of Islam and unite to speak in one voice.

Author: by Hatab Fadera

150 Orphans Under Goes Training At Ummul Qura Foundation School, Gambia.

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:50:56 GMT

Saturday, August 02, 2008

The Gambia has a high population of 63,000 orphans, the causes of which are due to several factors ranging from poverty and other preventable diseases, like HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria. Reliable reports indicated that 44 million in 34 developing countries are likely to lose a parent in the next years to come thus leaving them to become orphans.

Ummul Qura Foundation a charitable organization started its operations some 14 years ago in the Gambia. As part of its activities of sponsoring orphans, the Ummul Qura Foundation for Islamic Studies and Research began its second Islamic studies course on August the 2^nd 2008 at its headquarters in Faji kunda in the KMC municipality. A total of 150 orphans are participating in a one month long summer classes.

This shows that apart from helping the orphans with clothing and money they are also into offering some other form of social services by educating the orphans, said Abubacarr Mohammed Loum chairman of the occasion and vice president of the project.

Speaking at the start of the course Sheikh Mohammed Jonga the course director indicated that the course is sponsored by the orphans committee of Sheikh Eid Bin Muhammad Al-Thani Charity Association, a charitable organization, based in the Gulf state of Qatar. He said a similar course is done in sixteen other countries in Africa, Asia and Europe simultaneously, and 27 Islamic organizations of which his organization is one of them are conducting the courses. A total of up 3700 orphans altogether are benefiting from such a course worldwide .Jonga told the gathering.

The President of the Foundation Alhagie Mustapha Cham said the foundation is currently sporting 205 orphans. This number rose over the last 14 years from 35 orphans to 205 today. He informed the meeting that, they still have more than 200 applicants who are yet to be sponsored. Cham said we are not only in the business of giving out hand out but also trying to educate these orphans in their religion.

Ms Fanta Sisay director of Social Welfare who is also the guest speaker inform the gathering that The Gambia has up to 63,000 orphans. She implore the foundation to do more in also sensitizing the donors who are only concern with children whose father are dead but the ones whose mother’s too die need assistance. She calls on the religious leaders and elders of our communities to help in preaching our children to have respect for our religion and cultures as our homes are getting out of orders.

Other speakers included The President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic council Alhagie Cherno banding Drammeh and his vice Dr. Jah, all of who call for discipline and respect for our culture and religion.

Mariama Ceesay

Author: Madi M.K.Ceesay

Source: Meeting

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:28:24 GMT

Friday, August 01, 2008

Message for the mosque (cont’d)

The message in the mosque is for the worshippers to be guided on the right path, so that in turn, they can spread it to other people to follow the words of Allah the Almighty.

The Prophet Mouhammed (SAW) was the first to come from the “School of Allah.”

Then Allah sent the Prophet Mouhammed to spread the message to his people. Sura Ahzab V.45-47: states “O prophet! Truly we have sent thee as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings. And a warner. And as one who invites to Allah’s (grace) by his leave, and as a lamp spreading light. Then give the glad tidings to be believers, that they shall have from Allah a very great bounty.”

The holy Quran stated in many verses, emphasising that the prophet (SAW) should continue spreading the message forever.

Sura Hajj V.67:”.......But do thou invite (them) to thy Lord: for thou out assuredly on the right way.” Sura Qasas also states in 87-88:” Let no one turn you away from Allah’s revelations after they have been revealed to thee: and invite (men) to thy Lord and be not of the company of those who join Gods with Allah.

And call not, besides Allah, on another God. There is no God but He. Everything (that exists) will perish except His Face. To Him belongs to command. And to Him will ye (All) be brought back. “Sura Ra’ad V.36 states:”..... say I am commanded to worship Allah, and not to join partners with Him. Unto Him do I call, and unto Him is my return.”

The profession of Prophet (Mouhammed) (SAWS) on earth was to spread the message of Allah to the people: to follow the right path, to leave what was forbidden and follow the right way set up by the Almighty. Prophet Mouhammed continued this way until after his death, and the Almighty rewarded him.

This verse marks the end of prophet Mouhammed’s (SAWS) mission on this earth. In Sura Maida V.3 states: “This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”

The Prophets who came before Prophet Mouhammed (SAWS) were spreading the same message. To follow the right path and Allah’s command. Sura Araf V. 59 states about Prophet Noah and his people. It said: “We sent Noah to his people He said: O my people! Worship Allah! ye have no other God but Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful day.”

Prophet Salih was sent to his people to spread Allah’s message stated in Sura Araf V.73: “To the Thamud people (we send) Salih one of their own brethren He said: “O my people ! Worship Allah, ye have no other God but Him........”

“To every people that passed on this earth, I have send a messenger to spread my call (Allah) to worship me.” Sura Nahl V.36 states: “For we assuredly sent amongst every people a messenger, (with the command) serve Allah, and eschew evil. Of the people were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth).”

To be able to spread the word of Allah that was done by the prophets; the particular person should have the following: - should understand the message before being able to spread it.

-to believe in the message that it is from Allah, if not your mind can change. The belief should be in side your heart; noting can turn you away from this message.

-to have connection with Allah; to believe that He is always seeing you and by your side.

If one of these mentioned is missing then the message will not be properly spread. Only knowledge can help you to be able to do this. Knowledge is the key to any work, especially the work of the Almighty.

-Since you always mentioned Allah’s name to spread His word, you should be strong and clear in what you say. Also when quoting the Prophet Mouhammed (SAWS).

If your preaching is not based on concrete evidence, it can create problems for you, because it is not based on the Holy Quran or hadith of the Prophet (SAWS).

According to Imam Ibnu Hambal “knowledge is necessary to man as he needs oxygen. It is more valuable that eating and drinking. “One can eat and drink once a day, but oxygen is needed throughout his life time.”

Allah said he is a “learned scholar”. Sura Zumar V:46 states: “Say O Allah creator of the heavens and the earth! knower of all that is hidden and open.......” knowledge is valuable to Allah. He even swear on the pen as in Sura Qalam V.1: “Nun, by the pen and by the (record) which (men) write.”

The first creature on earth Adam was taught by Allah. Sura Baqara V.31-32: “And the taught Adam the names of all things, then He placed them before the angels and said: “Tell me the names of these if ye are right. They said Glory to thee of knowledge. We have none; save what thou hast taught us; in truth it is thou who art perfect is knowledge and wisdom.”

All the Prophets of Allah have knowledge, even the last Prophet, Mouhammed (SAWS) was learned, to be able to preach to the people. Sura Iqraa states in V.1-4: “Proclaim (or read) in the name of thy Lord and cherisher, who created-created man, one of a leech-like clot. Proclaim! And thy Lord Is most bountiful, He who taught (the use of) the pen.”

Those who have knowledge of Allah and make use of it are different from the ignorant ones. Sura Zumar V.9 states: “Say; Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.”

The one spreading the message should not add or subtract anything, should not tell lies to gather people or for money. He should be straight forward and do it as done by Prophet Mouhammed (SAWS). Sura Kahf V.29 states: “Say, the truth from your Lord, let him who will, believe and let him will reject.....”

Author: DO

Youth Enlightened on Islam, Migration, others

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:23:29 GMT

Thursday, July 31, 2008

A day conference aimed at broadening the knowledge and understanding of youths on the teachings of Islam, migration and other challenges being faced by them was held recently at The Gambia Senior Secondary School in Banjul.

The forum, which brought together many Muslim youths from the greater Banjul Area and Muslim youth organisations, was organised by one Alieu Jawara a Gambian youth residing in Canada.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr.Jawara said that the migration of people’s minds from being obedient to disobedient and the movement of people from one place to another are all critical forms of migration affecting the youth of the nation.

He said it is not worth it for people to venture on a dangerous journey like illegal migration in the name of looking for greener pastures. “Greener pastures of which you are not even sure of attaining,” he said. According to him, consequences of illegal migration for the victims are too high. The venture, he said, is not only making youths lose their lives but their religion as well. “The purpose of man on earth is only to worship Allah and nothing else,” he stated.

He added that during the journey the adventurers normally miss many prayer times, which he said is not in their interest, both in this world and hereafter.

Mr, Jawara also lamented the fact that the habit of some Muslims behaving as non-Muslims is also causing a lot of problems in the world. He reminded the youths that Islam is the religion that supersedes all other religions as said in the Holly Qura’n.

Other speakers at the occasion included the representatives of the Federation of The Gambia Muslim Student’s Organisation (FEGAMSO) and Ansar Brotherhood.

Brother Mustapha Barry, president of FEGAMSO, gave a brief history of this association. According to him, the association was founded in 1995 and is the umbrella body of all school based Islamic clubs and societies in the country. It aims to promote and propagate the teachings of Islam. He called for closer collaboration between Muslim youth organisations in the country and for them to put their efforts together to achieve their objectives.

Ansar Brothers for their parts, said that their association is a network of believers who believes in helping others. Shaikh Tijan Cham an Oustass advised young people to always respect their parents and know that there is no other God worthy of worshipping other than Allah. He also encouraged them to work hard at school because no nation can develop without education especially an Islamic education.

Author: By Nfamara Jawneh

Source: Picture: Alieu Jawara

The Role and contribution of Islam in promoting the Culture of peace in a Globalized World

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:15:30 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

(Part 7)

How can Muslims contribute in Promoting Peace in the 21stcentury?

As defined above, globalization is based on secular materialistic philosophy whose main target is to marginalize religion, especially Islam and Muslims. But as we said earlier, globalism as consciously designed is different from globalism as unconsciously unfolding.

The Tijaniyyah mystic Order describes the Prophet in their system of invocation as “the Opener of what was closed). The positive forces of globalism must be read against the back ground of the Prophet being the opener of what was closed (al-Fatih li ma Ughliq). As a result, neither ignoring the forces of globalism nor adopting it lock stock and barrel will be the solutions. So, given the problems outlined above, in order for Muslims to promote peace, the writer would suggest the following:

1- Embarking on a process of restoration of Muslim self-dignity and self- Integrity. This is because an internally weak and hopeless individual cannot effectively promote peace. The way to do that is to cure our disease of loss of adab by valuing knowledge and the learned, respect hierarchical authority and revitalize and develop ethics of disagreement as were established by our upright ancestors

2- As the Prophet showed us a gentle, calm rational respond to the provocation of an aggressor. The Qur’an says: and when the foolish addresses them (with bad words) the y reply back with words of salam (peace), al-Furqan 25: 63

Such an approach necessitates perfection of the art of debate and dialogue. I emphasis perfection here for a simple reason that in order for one to engage in effective and productive dialogue, one needs to read extensively to be intellectually well-equipped to know the strategies and tactics of those with whom he dialogue, especially if we know that dialogue according to the Prophet never mean compromising one’s fundamentals and especially when we also know that the other party does not just dialogue but they dialogue based on a strategy of the world mind game for which they have been highly equipped

Based on the Qur’anic and prophetic method of the necessity of the balance of powers, Muslims can also contribute to peace by seriously getting ready for deterrent engagements of self-defense. The Prophet showed us that demands of the flesh satisfying vices like greed must be curbed. The greedy if not forcefully deterred will continue to prey on the weak. So, constant readiness for defensive war can contribute to the world peace. It was in this vein that the Prophet warned us of wahan (extreme love of this world and fear of death to preserve dignity)

Author: By Dr. Omar Jah Jr

Study on Women and Islam Commissioned

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:34:21 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

A research study conducted by Dr. Omar Jah PhD Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of The Gambia was recently launched at the Tango offices in Kanifing.

The study, titled Action Aid Study on Women and Islam, aims among other things to clearly demonstrate the position of Islam pertaining to gender and to challenge some misgivings about Islamic gender policies.

The findings of the survey results show that the professional level, responses from Islamic religious leaders vis-à-vis Islamic law and covering of a women’s face in public, obligation of the female circumcision in Islam, and Islamic law and women’s inheritance of land are somehow disturbing.

In general, the findings show that although much needs to be done, if the present Gambian gender attitudes and policies are read against the background of the researcher’s theoretical framework, The Gambia can be characterised as a country on the right track.

Recommendations of the findings suggest that there is a need for more funding for research like the one being launched in order to bring to the fore the comparison in a more universal sample size.

It further suggested that government should establish a bureau comprising a male and female scholars at the level of the Qadi Appeal panel, whose jurisdiction would be to investigate complaints from couples with regard to the abuse of power in divorce or khul. It also highlights the need for capacity building for Qadis as well as strengthening of the recording techniques at Qadi courts in order to facilitate the due process of family law matters.

Speaking on the occasion, the author of the report, Dr Jah, said that the study demonstrates that every legal, political, or sociological complication at any age, Islam can give a proper solution if handled properly based on a pure Islamic worldview and agenda. “The issue of gender is cross cutting, and to demonstrate the Islamic perception to the gender discourse a refined handling of the Qur’anic and the Sunni injunctions is need to cause a proper orientation of attitudes and policies,” he said.

Dr Jah commended all individuals and institutions who supported him during the research.

Participants at the launch of the study all applauded Dr. Omar Jah for a job well done.

Author: By Nfamara Jawneh & Njie Baldeh

Source: Picture: Dr Omar Jah Jr

The Role and contribution of Islam in promoting the Culture of peace in a Globalized World (Part 7)

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:35:54 GMT

Friday, June 20, 2008

How can Muslims contribute in Promoting Peace in the 21st century?

The Tijaniyyah mystic Order describes the Prophet in their system of invocation as (al-Fatih li ma Ughliq) “the Opener of what was closed”. The positive forces of globalism must be read against the back ground of the Prophet being the opener of what was closed. As a result, our solution in globalization is neither to ignore its forces nor to adopt it lock stock and barrel. So, given the problems outlined above, in order for Muslims to promote peace, the writer would suggest the following:

1- Embarking on a process of restoration of Muslim self-dignity and self- Integrity. This is because an internally weak and hopeless individual cannot effectively promote peace. The way to do that is to cure our disease of loss of adab by valuing knowledge and the learned, respect hierarchical authority and revitalize and develop ethics of disagreement as were established by our upright ancestors

2- As the Prophet showed us, when a non-Muslim passer-bye said to him “poison on to you” (al-sam ‘alaika) pretending he was greeting him with “peace be onto you” (assalaamu ‘alaika. Those who were present got very angry and emotional and were ready to act against him. However, the Prophet taught them a good lesson of self-control and he gently replied: “and onto you”. This was a rational respond to the provocation of an aggressor. The Qur’an says: and when the foolish addresses them (with bad words) they reply back with words of salam (peace), al-Furqan 25: 63

Such an approach necessitates perfection of the art of dialogue and debate. I mean to emphasize “perfection of the art of dialogue” here for a simple reason that in order for one to engage in effective and productive dialogue with a non-Muslim, one needs to read extensively to be well-equipped to know the strategies and tactics of those with whom he engages in dialogue, especially if we know that dialogue according to the Prophet never mean compromising one’s fundamentals and especially when we also know that the other party does not just dialogue but they dialogue based on a strategy of the world mind game for which they have been highly equipped

3-Based on the Qur’anic and prophetic method vis a vis the necessity of the balance of powers, Muslims can also contribute to peace by seriously getting ready for deterrent engagements of self-defense. The Prophet showed us that demands of the flesh can never be quenched and that the carnal soul’s pursuance of vices such as greed must be checked closely. The greedy if not forcefully deterred will continue to prey on the weak. So, constant readiness for defensive war can contribute to the world peace. It was in this vein that the Prophet warned us of wahan (extreme love for this world and fear of death that compromises one’s dignity)

To be continued

Author: By Dr. Omar Jah Jr

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:54:24 GMT

Friday, June 06, 2008

Zakat

Zakat is a fundamental pillar of Islam. It is important to remind wealthy Muslims of the significance of this Pillar, which requires them to give out a portion of their wealth to Allah.

Zakat is an important pillar that is ordained by Allah. It is a way of purifying one’s wealth and also to secure it. It is an obligation which has to be performed by all Muslims.

It has been mentioned 82 times in the Quran. The reason why Zakat is obligatory is given in both the Quran and the hadith. It is said that it started in the early days of Islam in Mecca. But during that time the amount of wealth to be given out was not limited. People just gave out Zakat as they wished. A large number of scholars agreed that a regulation was made as to how much one should give out for Zakat.

This regulation is called Nisab. The Quran however clearly states the authority given to the Prophet by Allah, in order to collect Zakat from his people.

Sura Tawba V.103-105 states: of their wealth take alms, that so thou mightest purify and sanctify them, and pray on their behalf, verily their prayers are a source of security for them: and Allah is one who heareth and knoweth. Know they not that Allah doth accept repentance from this votaries and receives their gifts of charity, and that Allah is verily he, the oft-returning, most merciful? And say: work (righteousness) soon will Allah observe your work and this messenger, and the believers. Soon will ye be brought back to the knower of what is hidden and what is open.

Then will he show you the truth of all that they did.

Zakat is again mentioned in Sura Nur V.56: So establish regular prayer and give Zakat and obey the messenger. That ye may receive mercy.

In the hadith the Prophet (SAWs) revealed that those followers of Allah who pray five times, keep the fast in the month of Ramadan, give out Zakat, and avoid any thing Allah pro-hibits, will have the gates of heaven opened for them when they die.

The Prophet also stressed that Zakat should be given out so that one’s wealth can be purified and secured.

Give out alms to get away from sickness is stated in the hadith. So therefore, it is necessary for us to give out alms make supplications so that we can be saved from evil and santa.

Those entitled to Zakat would definitely be the heedy. Sura Tanba v.60 states: Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds): for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth): for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah: and for the way farer: (Thus it is) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of know ledge and wisdom.

So many scholars are convinced that the need for Zakat is to assist the poor man’s problems.

Consequently, Zakat should not be sent to distant places while those needy and close to you are suffering. Some even say that the Zakat should not be taken or sent more than 80 kms away from one’s residence, except the needy are not in your area.

In many Muslim countries, you have what are called Zakat houses, and they are places where Zakats are taken to. The officers in charge of these houses would then distribute the gifts to the poor and the needy.

The Gambia being a small country, people tend to know each other. Consequently, it is very easy for the wealthy, the well to do, to identify the needy and the poor and give them their Zakat.

All Muslims should pay Zakat, taking into consideration that whatever you have is from Allah, and he is capable of taking it from you at anytime and in anyway.

Sura Tauba v.34-35.. And there are those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah: anounce into them a most grievous chastisementy. On the day when it will be heated in the fire of hell, and with it will be Branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, this is the (treasure) which ye hoarded for your selves taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye hoarded for yourselves: taste ye, then the (treasures) ye hoarded.

The Almighty wants Zakat to be given out when healthy and strong as stated in Sura Munafiqun v.10. And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which we have bestowed on you, before death should come to any of you and he should say, O my Lord! Why didst thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good “But to no avail will Allah grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has come and Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do.”

Author: DO