unri.ac.id. The University of Riau (UNRI), through the Riau Province National Zakat Agency (Baznas), the Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ-UNRI), and the UNRI Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), distributed basic food aid to cleaning services and security guards, and provided business capital to UNRI students. The aid distribution took place at the Arfa'unnas Mosque, UNRI Bina Widya Campus, on Wednesday, April 12, 4.
"We distributed 272 packages of basic food supplies to the cleaning and security services at UNRI. This assistance consisted of five quintals of rice, instant noodles, cooking oil, sardines, granulated sugar, tea, and syrup. In addition, each recipient received additional pocket money," explained Dr. Fadil ST MT, Head of UPZ-UNRI.
"This assistance is inseparable from the UPZ in collaboration with the Riau Province Baznas, the DWP-UNRI, and donors. This assistance consists of 109 packages from the DWP UNRI, 88 packages from Baznas, and several packages from donors. In addition, Baznas provided capital assistance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to seven UNRI students," Fadil added.
On that occasion, UNRI Rector Prof. Dr. Sri Indarti MSi conveyed that the University of Riau expressed its gratitude to the Riau Province Baznas, DWP UNRI, and donors for providing several aid packages. "Compared to the amount of zakat collected at UNRI, it is not comparable to the distribution from the Riau Province Baznas to UNRI. For example, the distribution of assistance for thesis costs for students, Single Tuition Fee (UKT) scholarships for students, and so forth, including today's distribution of basic food aid and business capital for students," she said.
"Let's increase zakat collection within UNRI and encourage activities such as outreach and encouraging the academic community to fulfill their zakat obligation through the UNRI UPZ. So far, the UNRI UPZ has made a significant contribution in assisting the UNRI academic community in fulfilling their zakat obligation. With the UNRI UPZ, some underprivileged students have been assisted in their studies, as have orphans and the underprivileged around UNRI who have benefited from this zakat," he said.
Deputy Head of Division II of the Riau Province Baznas, Jamaluddin SAg Msy, also said that the Riau Province Baznas prepared 88 packages and distributed productive zakat, namely helping students who are currently running their own businesses with assistance of 5000.000 per person.
"At Baznas, zakat distribution covers several types, including consumer zakat, which is an emergency zakat that must be prioritized. Because it's impossible to help those who are unproductive, while our brothers and sisters are poor and struggling to eat, this consumer zakat is prioritized," he said.
"Paying zakat is a collective obligation. We hope all lecturers and staff will be aware of their zakat income and distribute it through the UNRI UPZ (Zip Zakat Management Unit). The funds will then be distributed within the UNRI environment, not far away," he said. (wendi. ed: rion. photo: januardi) ***
