Islamic preacher: Alms for Muslims from unlawful source forbidden

COTABATO CITY--A Muslim cleric on Sunday reminded all Muslims that charity from unlawful sources is “haram” (forbidden).

Alms-giving is one of the acts Muslims may perform during the month-long fasting, according to Islamic Cleric Abuhuraira Abdulrahman Udasan, the grand mufti of Central Mindanao.

Udasan joined Muslim religious leaders in the launching in Guindulungan, Maguindanao of the First Maguindanao Ramadhan festival where he talked about the ideal traits in the observance of mandatory fasting.

He said money from illegal drug trade is not permissible for Muslims or institutions to accept as gift.

“If one is aware of the haram source of the gift, it is forbidden for him or her to accept,” he said.

“Accepting proceeds from gambling and usury are also haram,” he added.

Guindulungan Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang welcomed the Islamic preachers for choosing his town as the venue for the festival launching.

Maguindanao (2nd District) Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, the event guest speaker stressed unity and understanding among Filipino Muslims for the province to move forward.

Mangudadatu said he was glad to be given the opportunity to share his blessings to children and senior citizens of Guindulungan town. (PNA)