Practitioners, scholars and experts on Zakah and Islamic finance will gather to discuss and share their knowledge, expertise and experience at SANZAF’s International Zakah Conference from Friday 5th to Saturday 6th May. Zakah knowledge and Sharia banking has become an important and vital part of the financial systems in many countries and in this ever-changing world, to educate and empower Muslims.

What is Zakah?
The concept of Zakah is donating a portion of your wealth to those who need it most. It serves as a means to create awareness among Muslim communities and to unite together to help the needy. Islamic banking has grown rapidly in value and geographical reach.

It has become an important and vital part of the financial systems in many countries and in this ever-changing world, to educate and empower ourselves. Recent findings suggest the social benefits of educating women are greater.

Equally important is the sustainable development of Islamic finance which offers benefits for economic growth, reducing poverty and fostering shared prosperity.

The rapid growth of Islamic finance

Islamic finance is fast becoming an important aspect in business. Islamic banking has grown rapidly in value and geographical reach. It has become an important and vital part of the financial systems in many countries. Even though Islamic banking accounts for less than 2% of global finance, it currently operates in more than 60 countries. Islamic finance knowledge can significantly contribute to economic development, given its direct link to the economy.

Education is a vital means of empowering women with the knowledge and skills necessary to fully participate in the development process. Sustainable development is important for women and men to enjoy equal opportunities and reach their potential.

The International Zakah Conference will include extensive workshops, including a master class for financial planners, women and Zakah, Zakah and Civil society and Zakah for entrepreneurs. SANZAF has emphasised the importance for professionals in the financial sector – accountants, bankers, investors – to attend the International Zakah Conference. The conference plays an integral role in promoting global opportunities for those in the Sharia banking sector in business.

The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) is a registered non-profit, public-benefit and faith based organisation that aims to change and improve the lives of the under-resourced in South Africa and empower local communities through educational assistance and skills development.

SANZAF’s projects are designed to assist individuals and families in need, through short term poverty alleviation as well as long term educational and developmental assistance in order to facilitate the achievement of financial self-sufficiency.

The International Zakah Conference takes place on at the Academia Theatre, Islamia College Campus in Lansdowne.

For more information on the SANZAF International Zakah Conference, contact Lamees Romaney or Shireen Kamaldien at 021 638 0965 / 021 638 7198 or visit www.sanzaf.org.za