25 MUHARRAM 1443H / 3 September 2021

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabaraktuh.
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Singapore's National Day Rally, an annual message delivered by the Prime Minister to the entire nation, has just taken place.

During this year's rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's message on the economic well-being, especially the point on supporting the lower wage workers (LWWs), has triggered me to connect it with the role of Zakat, Infaq and Sadaqah in Islam.

While we, Muslim Singaporeans, are busy with our philanthropic activities for the Muslim  brothers and sisters in crisis in other parts of the world, we tend to neglect the crisis of our local brothers and sisters. We failed to see that the ones nearest to us are in need of our help. Because Singaporeans are enjoying higher standards of living across all levels of income and types of housing, according to a government survey, it does not mean we can stereotype that all Singaporeans are doing well. Underprivileges still exist.

Narrated Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari:

The Prophet said, "When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as Sadaqa for him." [Volume 7, Book 64, Number 263]

Indirectly, we, the locals, are bonded as family through our nationality. Thus, helping the the ones nearest to us is actually a responsibility and are of great importance.

"....LWWs are more stressed than others. Their jobs are less secure. They are more likely to be laid off. They have less savings to tide over hard times. In the pandemic, their situation has been precarious. That is why in every COVID-19 Budget Package we included extra help to lower income households" [PM Lee Hsien Loong, 2021 National Day Rally]

Thus, we see how the LWWs need our help and support. As Muslim Singaporeans, our Zakat, Infaq and Sadaqah could play a large role in their life. We could not change their life totally. But we could be the reason for them to be able to survive even if that means surviving for another day.

Although there are existing initiatives by individuals and small groups of volunteer helping the LWWs, we can play a role by providing money aid and support for their activities. But remember, Zakat is purely for Muslims under the 8 Asnaf, Infaq can be for Muslims and Non-Muslims but with certain criterias, while there are no rules on who can receive Sadaqah but they must be in need. Isnt it beautiful Islam is? There are even ways for the Muslims to help the Non-Muslims brothers and sisters.

Therefore, do not hesitate to reach out to them. May the doors of Jannah awaits you for the good deeds you do. Ameen.