Muscat – ‘Fak Kurbah’ initiative organised by the Omani Lawyers’ Association has launched its 2022 campaign to help raise funds to secure the release of prisoners who have been jailed in Oman for non-criminal offences. 

In 2021, the number of insolvent persons covered by the initiative in its eighth edition reached 749, including 680 males and 69 females, with the efforts of more than 100 male and female lawyers.

Grand Mufti of Oman His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad bin Hamad al Khalili said, “Fak Kurbah is an Islamic humanitarian initiative that will reward the donors in this world and the hereafter.”

Dr Mohammed al Zadjali, chairman of Omani Lawyers Association, said, “We are keen to develop this initiative and its tools by introducing the online donation platform for the first time this year.”

The ninth edition of Fak Kurbah was launched on Wednesday and will continue until May 22.

The initiative was officially launched through a pre-recorded speech of His Eminence Sheikh Khalili, in which he emphasised the importance of this humanitarian initiative, highlighting that such deeds are commanded by Allah Almighty and His Messenger, PBUH, who says, “Anyone who relieves hardship for a believer in this world, Allah will relieve one of his hardships on the Day of Resurrection.”

His Eminence Sheikh Khalili called every member of society to participate in this initiative and contribute to relieving the hardships of those in need, as Allah Almighty will double their rewards in this world and the hereafter.

Zadjali stated that the ninth edition embodies societal solidarity and harmony. He added that the previous eight editions of the initiative confirmed the importance of cooperation and solidarity in relieving those in distress, and those who have been going through hardships and difficulties. “The generous people of our society gave them a hand and helped them stand again.”

In order to develop the initiative, and make it easily accessible to donors, a new website https://www.fakkrba.om has been launched for online donations, along with the earlier method of direct bank account transfers.

“Over the past years, the initiative has helped nearly 4,000 insolvent persons who were imprisoned or who were about to be imprisoned due to various claims covered by the initiative. We were able to cover all the governorates of the sultanate with the efforts of more than 100 male and female lawyers. All of these efforts are, undoubtedly, a real manifestation of community solidarity and humanity,” added Zadjali.

Held under the slogan ‘Because we believe that everyone deserves a second chance’, the initiative aims to collect financial donations to release those who have been imprisoned due to financial, civil, commercial or labour claims.