An Indonesian zakat agency, LAZ SIP, provides a place for teaching of  skills and training for preachers from across Indonesia.

Bogor, West Java (Indonesia Window) – an Indonesian zakat agency, LAZ SIP, inaugurated the shelter for underprivileged widows and I'dad Du'at (preacher cadre training ground) located in Cirumput Village, Cileungsi Sub District, Bogor District, West Java Province, on Thursday.

The shelter is the ‘answer’ to the problems frequently raised by underprivileged widows who come to the LAZ SIP office seeking financial assistance.

"One of the main problems faced by widows in need is rent arrears. In these difficult economic times, the assistance provided to them only lasts for three to four months," Dadang Rohendi, Chairman of the LAZ SIP Foundation, said in his remarks at the inauguration ceremony.

Explaining the situation, Dadang said the idea arose to build a shelter that would not only serve as temporary housing but also as a skills training center that could support the economy of people, especially widows in need.

This idea, which has now become a reality, has received praise from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs.

"The Bogor District Office of Religious Affairs appreciates LAZ SIP's efforts in distributing zakat, infaq, and sadaqah funds to empower the community. Furthermore, LAZ SIP now has an official permit, making its management more transparent and gaining public trust," Zulfaqor Ali Akbar, Head of the Islamic Religious Information and Waqf Section of the Bogor District Office of Religious Affairs, stated in his remarks.

He believes that the dhuafa (economically disadvantaged) who will be provided with various skills, such as sewing and culinary arts, at the facility will gain independent skills that can support their economy.

"This empowerment program is an extraordinary step because it not only provides temporary assistance but also creates the independence of the beneficiaries," Zulfaqor Ali Akbar explained.

On that occasion, he also emphasized that mustahik (zakat recipients) are representatives of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, who must be honored and cared for.

This aligns with the message in Surah Al-Ma'un, which reminds that those who neglect orphans and the poor are among those who lie to the religion, he quoted.

In addition to serving as a training center for widows in need, LAZ SIP’s Shelter for Dhuafa Widows and I'dad Du'at also serves as a training ground for preachers from across Indonesia.

After participating in the program at the shelter, the preachers will return to their respective regions to spread true Islamic teachings within the community.

Reporting by Indonesia Window