November 11, 2002
Source: Herald News
http://www.bergen.com/page.php?level_3_id=7&page=5554634
On November 11, 2002 the Herald News reported that "besides fasting, Muslims observe another pillar of Islam: giving alms to the needy. Both fasting and charity, or 'zakat,' are thought to be ways of showing loyalty to God, as well as a way of feeling sympathy with the poor. Over the past year, millions of dollars held by Muslim charities have been frozen by the government because of alleged ties to terrorist organizations. Last December, authorities also froze the assets of The Holy Land Organization, a Texas-based charity that maintained an office in Paterson. Now some leaders are saying that Muslims are confused and don't know where to turn to give money."