A Reflection on Heroes' Day: Continuing the Baton of Struggle with the Spirit of Zakat Justice

Heroes' Day, which we commemorate every November 10th, is not merely an annual celebration. It is a vital moment to reflect on the intrinsic meaning of struggle and sacrifice. Our heroes fought with their wealth, bodies, and even lives for one purpose: the independence and welfare of the nation.

In Manado City, the heroic spirit of 1945 must be transformed into a contemporary struggle. If the heroes once fought against physical colonialism, we are now faced with a different challenge: the battle against poverty and economic injustice.

This is where the spirit of heroism and the noble task of BAZNAS Manado converge.

Zakat in the Spirit of Jihad and Sacrifice

The struggle of our heroes is a clear manifestation of the spirit of Jihad (striving diligently) in the path of Allah to establish justice and collective welfare. This spirit is highly relevant to the Islamic command to help one another and care for the vulnerable (dhuafa).

Allah SWT says in the Holy Qur'an, which includes the command to spend in charity and do good as preparation for the Hereafter:

"And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good." (QS. Al-Baqarah: 195)

This verse implies that generosity and doing good (including fulfilling the obligation of Zakat) is the way to safeguard the community from destruction (including the destruction caused by extreme poverty).

Zakat as a Weapon for Social Justice

Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS) are the most effective Islamic instruments in establishing social justice. If the spirit of our heroes was characterized by collectivity and selfless sacrifice, then that spirit must now be manifested in the movement of sharing.

The Spirit of Sacrifice: Let us emulate the heroes' sacrifice by fulfilling our Zakat obligations. By paying Zakat, we sacrifice a portion of our wealth for the benefit of the community, just as our predecessors sacrificed everything for the nation.

Collective Mutual Cooperation (Gotong Royong): BAZNAS Manado serves as the collective platform for Muzakki (Zakat payers) to ensure these funds are accurately distributed to Mustahik (Zakat recipients) throughout the city.

This concept is strongly affirmed by the saying of the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad SAW, who emphasized the importance of the Muslim community's social responsibility:

"The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever." (HR. Muslim)

Continuing the Baton of Prosperity

To commemorate Heroes' Day means we are determined to become 'Heroes' for one another through social care. BAZNAS Manado invites all components of society—civil servants (ASN), private sector employees, and the Muslim community in Manado:

"Let us make Zakat our 'ammunition' in the economic jihad. Let us continue the heroes' baton of struggle by creating self-reliance and prosperity for the Mustahik, so that the ideals of a fair and prosperous independence can truly be realized in Manado City."

With the spirit of November 10th, let us cooperate, pay Zakat, and move together toward a blessed and prosperous Manado.