Habib University’s 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala was a beautiful and inspiring evening filled with generosity and hope. Held on February 18, 2023 in Houston, the event was dedicated to providing world-class liberal arts and sciences education to deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This mission is crucial in Pakistan, where only 9% of youth are enrolled in higher education due to a lack of accessibility.
The act of giving is an essential part of many religions. Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a form of religious giving that requires Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to those in need. This act of charity is seen as a mandatory obligation for all Muslims.
The event emphasized the significance of religious giving, particularly Zakat. The keynote speaker, Dr. Reza Aslan, highlighted the Islamic tradition of generosity and its importance in the faith. He emphasized that investing in education is one of the most significant ways to help those in need. Mr. Wasif A. Rizvi, the President of Habib University, also spoke about the institution’s commitment to accessibility and providing opportunities for highly skilled students from diverse backgrounds.
Habib University is a community-owned institution that has granted 100% scholarships through HU TOPS to 360 students since its inception in 2014, and currently, 85% of the student body is on some sort of scholarship or financial aid. Religious giving, such as Zakat, is a significant source of funding for institutions like Habib University. By donating Zakat to Habib University, Muslims can support the education of talented individuals and contribute to the future of Pakistan.
The community-owned model of the University is reshaping philanthropy and higher education in Pakistan by empowering the community to take an active role in supporting education. The generosity of donors, guests, and volunteers is helping to pave the way for a brighter future for the youth of Pakistan. The Habib University’s 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala was a testament to the importance of giving back to the community and investing in education, which is crucial for the future of Pakistan.
Donate your Zakat to Habib University in this Ramazan and become a staunch supporter of Higher Education in Pakistan.
