Dozens wait overnight in sub-zero temps for Xbox 360s to arrive

Dan Petersen has, potentially, the coolest mom in the world.

He woke her up at 5 a.m. to go Xbox 360 hunting. They heard that Best Buy was putting on sale tons of new Xbox 360s tomorrow morning, so they have been waiting since early this morning in line at the Best Buy in Bellevue, WA (same one that Bill Gates got his at). He’s the first in line of more than 40 people waiting for one (Best Buy handed out numbered tickets hours ago).

I visited the line at about 8 p.m. tonight and they were all bunkering down for a long night ahead. The temperatures in Redmond and Bellevue are below freezing. These are dedicated buyers. I listened as other shoppers walked past “what are they waiting for?”

Those in line told me that they had friends waiting in similar lines elsewhere in the United States.

I checked in on another store (EB Games). They have a paid waiting list of 176. Probably only a handful of those will get Xbox’s before Christmas.

What’s funny is while I was talking with Dan and his mom my boss Jeff Sandquist came up behind me and hugged me. Hey, who’s that?

He spent a few minutes telling Dan all about the Arcade Gallery and challenged Dan to a game.

On the Xbox mailing list tonight there are more reports of Xbox 360s showing up worldwide. So, if you want one, you should check around tomorrow.

Best Buy stores open at 8 a.m. — Patrick and I might go just to see how many they actually have. The store personel wouldn’t tell us anything, saying they aren’t sure how many they’ll have. Even those who are waiting in line aren’t guaranteed to actually get one.

For those of you who aren’t quite nuts enough to wait overnight in sub-zero temps for an opportunity to buy an Xbox, Paul Mooney has links to a few interviews with Xbox execs. MSNBC has some Xbox cartoons. Spong interviewed Japanese buyers about the Xbox 360 and came away with the conclusion that Xbox marketing sucked in Japan.

Xbox 360 Insider has video of the Daily Show joking about Xbox. Dave Kramer has “Xbox 360 improvements we can (almost) all agree on.” Scott Hanselman writes his first impressions (and a lot more): “It’s the shiznit. It’s freaking awesome. If you can buy it. Now. Seriously, stop reading.”

James Clarke writes about his experiences trying to buy one in Hemel Hempstead (the retailer was forcing him to buy a bundle of games). James, no, Microsoft is kept — by law — from forcing retailers to do anything. That would be price fixing. The retailers set their own pricing and policies. Finally, Engadget recently toured the Xbox team’s offices and reported about that.

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44 thoughts on “Dozens wait overnight in sub-zero temps for Xbox 360s to arrive

  1. I’m sick of the retailers bundling. I now refuse to buy anything from retailers that require purchase of bundles. I am usually an early adopter but I have learned to wait for gaming systems.

    Like

  2. I’m sick of the retailers bundling. I now refuse to buy anything from retailers that require purchase of bundles. I am usually an early adopter but I have learned to wait for gaming systems.

    Like

  3. They have been planning this on the official Xbox.com forums for about a week now.

    Poeple want this console, and when they saw 1 article, where an analyst said they expect to see 300,000 consoles this week/weekend, they were extremely happy.

    Not only that, but they actually had people from the Xbox team come in, and talk to the community and say they are working on certain fixes (problem when they installed the BC update 1.2). They proceeded to fix the problem within about a week of it occuring. Now THAT is listen to the community.

    Like

  4. They have been planning this on the official Xbox.com forums for about a week now.

    Poeple want this console, and when they saw 1 article, where an analyst said they expect to see 300,000 consoles this week/weekend, they were extremely happy.

    Not only that, but they actually had people from the Xbox team come in, and talk to the community and say they are working on certain fixes (problem when they installed the BC update 1.2). They proceeded to fix the problem within about a week of it occuring. Now THAT is listen to the community.

    Like

  5. Is the date wrong on this post? It’s 11pm Pacific time on the 17th. How can you know someone got up at 5am on the 18th. Your making stuff up.

    Like

  6. Is the date wrong on this post? It’s 11pm Pacific time on the 17th. How can you know someone got up at 5am on the 18th. Your making stuff up.

    Like

  7. This post is here around midnight at the beginning of the 18th, the kid obviously woke her mom at 5 a.m. on the 17th.

    Like

  8. This post is here around midnight at the beginning of the 18th, the kid obviously woke her mom at 5 a.m. on the 17th.

    Like

  9. I was actually there earlier tonight (about 5pm or so), and saw around 40 people in line, although I didn’t bother counting. All I can say is that even though I had to camp out on launch day to get mine, I’m glad I managed to get it while the overnight temperature was still above freezing.

    Like

  10. I was actually there earlier tonight (about 5pm or so), and saw around 40 people in line, although I didn’t bother counting. All I can say is that even though I had to camp out on launch day to get mine, I’m glad I managed to get it while the overnight temperature was still above freezing.

    Like

  11. Check out http://xboxfiles.com for more reports on where to get Xboxes.

    Here in St. Louis, there were 30-40 people lined up by 6pm last night for this morning’s opening at my local store. I’m hearing that it is the same story at every store. It snowed here last night, so I hope the line tickets helped people to get warm at some point.

    Like

  12. Check out http://xboxfiles.com for more reports on where to get Xboxes.

    Here in St. Louis, there were 30-40 people lined up by 6pm last night for this morning’s opening at my local store. I’m hearing that it is the same story at every store. It snowed here last night, so I hope the line tickets helped people to get warm at some point.

    Like

  13. Corrections to Corrections: my blog’s clock was on London time, not Bellevue time. I was in line at about 8 p.m. last night. The 40 people there had been waiting since early that morning.

    Like

  14. Corrections to Corrections: my blog’s clock was on London time, not Bellevue time. I was in line at about 8 p.m. last night. The 40 people there had been waiting since early that morning.

    Like

  15. I congratulate Microsoft on a fine product. Unfortunately, this launch has been badly mismanaged.

    The whole point of rushing out the 360 was to build a lead of 5M+ units worldwide over PS3. Not only did you misallocate 200,000 units to Japan, you’ve most likely lost that country. And don’t get me started on the IBM supply shortages — I wonder how long it’ll take for them to get yields up.

    You’ve already lost — you just don’t realize it yet.

    Like

  16. I congratulate Microsoft on a fine product. Unfortunately, this launch has been badly mismanaged.

    The whole point of rushing out the 360 was to build a lead of 5M+ units worldwide over PS3. Not only did you misallocate 200,000 units to Japan, you’ve most likely lost that country. And don’t get me started on the IBM supply shortages — I wonder how long it’ll take for them to get yields up.

    You’ve already lost — you just don’t realize it yet.

    Like

  17. Mujibur: if losing is having customers around the world waiting in lines overnight to buy your product, I’ll take losing, thank you very much!

    This thing is getting great reviews on the street which is driving demand. We’ll see what happens when Sony shows up.

    Like

  18. Mujibur: if losing is having customers around the world waiting in lines overnight to buy your product, I’ll take losing, thank you very much!

    This thing is getting great reviews on the street which is driving demand. We’ll see what happens when Sony shows up.

    Like

  19. Yes, I got in line around 1 pm and waited. The Best Buy management are a bunch of loonies. I bought my first 360 at Walmart, how completely accomodated all customers with chairs, food, tables, games, and let us sit inside. I also disagree with waiting to sell them at one time on a scheduled day. Just put them on the shelves and sell them, don’t make people sit outside in 10 degree weather. Also, the ticket system they tried to use was pretty much useless. Once you got a ticket, you could still not leave and come back in the morning, so what is the point? We also got in an argument with the Best Buy manager who told us he makes NO money on selling 360s. So I guess Worst Buy is doing US a favor.

    Like

  20. Yes, I got in line around 1 pm and waited. The Best Buy management are a bunch of loonies. I bought my first 360 at Walmart, how completely accomodated all customers with chairs, food, tables, games, and let us sit inside. I also disagree with waiting to sell them at one time on a scheduled day. Just put them on the shelves and sell them, don’t make people sit outside in 10 degree weather. Also, the ticket system they tried to use was pretty much useless. Once you got a ticket, you could still not leave and come back in the morning, so what is the point? We also got in an argument with the Best Buy manager who told us he makes NO money on selling 360s. So I guess Worst Buy is doing US a favor.

    Like

  21. Scoble,

    As I said, I think it’s a great product and certainly there is demand.

    That having been said, Microsoft mismanaged the launch. Launching globally was a huge mistake. According to Media Create, the 360 has done worse in Japan than the original Xbox. It will be interesting to see when Japanese developers start defecting.

    Microsoft badly needed to be able to meet demand this Christmas. If you’ve ever seen an adoption curve, you know why these 2 months were so important. Had IBM been able to manufacture enough chips, I think the 360 would have had a real shot.

    I know somewhere billg is looking at the economics of the iPod vis-a-vis the 360 and is kicking himself.

    Like

  22. Scoble,

    As I said, I think it’s a great product and certainly there is demand.

    That having been said, Microsoft mismanaged the launch. Launching globally was a huge mistake. According to Media Create, the 360 has done worse in Japan than the original Xbox. It will be interesting to see when Japanese developers start defecting.

    Microsoft badly needed to be able to meet demand this Christmas. If you’ve ever seen an adoption curve, you know why these 2 months were so important. Had IBM been able to manufacture enough chips, I think the 360 would have had a real shot.

    I know somewhere billg is looking at the economics of the iPod vis-a-vis the 360 and is kicking himself.

    Like

  23. Appeal from the founder
    This society comes into existence at a point of time when flag bearers of humanity and those sympathising with poor, downtrodden and weak were disparaged. Whatever my moisture laden eyes, in all these days, and me have witnessed and studied with utmost care attention had revealed the need to bring into implementation such a society and brimful them with jewels of knowledge and skill and let them realize rights.

    My fellow countrymen and me waited for never ending wait but not a single soul came forward into arena ergo I and my weak and feeble hands, to spread and accomplish the mission of Hadrath Rasool (PBUH), have boarded a ship which has no rudder and sailor, sailing on a stormy sea left completely on the mercy of storms. But then I’m very optimistic that merciful people whose hearts ache at the misery of fellowmen and those whom Allah has made competent enough would certainly come forward and strengthen my arms and therefore mission of Rasool (PBUH) so that our society, which ages back, was the cradle of education, learning and skill, once again can hold firm grounds on this planet earth.

    Coupled with this our mission is also to establish a society which could eradicate the malice of our hearts and impurity of our souls. Which should unite broken hearts into the never ending and the strongest of relations of love and brotherhood.

    The member of this cult should be sophisticated in habits and should be opposed to hostility and rivalry. They should be a living effigy of humanity. They must be able to curb and suppress the spark. He should be a role model and should be free from selfish and jealous patriotism so that he may present such facts and realities in front of commoners on which the well being and cure of humanity should depend and also the security and prosperity of nation.

    Address: Mohammad Akram Khan ,194/24 L.P.Road Wazir ganj Lucknow. U.P.India

    Like

  24. Appeal from the founder
    This society comes into existence at a point of time when flag bearers of humanity and those sympathising with poor, downtrodden and weak were disparaged. Whatever my moisture laden eyes, in all these days, and me have witnessed and studied with utmost care attention had revealed the need to bring into implementation such a society and brimful them with jewels of knowledge and skill and let them realize rights.

    My fellow countrymen and me waited for never ending wait but not a single soul came forward into arena ergo I and my weak and feeble hands, to spread and accomplish the mission of Hadrath Rasool (PBUH), have boarded a ship which has no rudder and sailor, sailing on a stormy sea left completely on the mercy of storms. But then I’m very optimistic that merciful people whose hearts ache at the misery of fellowmen and those whom Allah has made competent enough would certainly come forward and strengthen my arms and therefore mission of Rasool (PBUH) so that our society, which ages back, was the cradle of education, learning and skill, once again can hold firm grounds on this planet earth.

    Coupled with this our mission is also to establish a society which could eradicate the malice of our hearts and impurity of our souls. Which should unite broken hearts into the never ending and the strongest of relations of love and brotherhood.

    The member of this cult should be sophisticated in habits and should be opposed to hostility and rivalry. They should be a living effigy of humanity. They must be able to curb and suppress the spark. He should be a role model and should be free from selfish and jealous patriotism so that he may present such facts and realities in front of commoners on which the well being and cure of humanity should depend and also the security and prosperity of nation.

    Address: Mohammad Akram Khan ,194/24 L.P.Road Wazir ganj Lucknow. U.P.India

    Like

  25. Membership

    Click Here to download the Membership form.

    You are most welcome to become a valuable member of our organization.

    Kindly download the membership form and send the completely filled form to following address :

    Mohd. Akram Khan (Secretary)

    194/24, L. P. Road, WazirGanj,

    Lucknow (UP), 226018

    India

    E-mail – khanakram_786@rediffmail.com

    mohd_khan@yahoo.com

    To Download the form :

    Right Click on the link given above.

    Select “Save Target As”.

    Specify a location on your computer.

    Click “Save”

    http://www.aboutheicindia.tk

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  26. Membership

    Click Here to download the Membership form.

    You are most welcome to become a valuable member of our organization.

    Kindly download the membership form and send the completely filled form to following address :

    Mohd. Akram Khan (Secretary)

    194/24, L. P. Road, WazirGanj,

    Lucknow (UP), 226018

    India

    E-mail – khanakram_786@rediffmail.com

    mohd_khan@yahoo.com

    To Download the form :

    Right Click on the link given above.

    Select “Save Target As”.

    Specify a location on your computer.

    Click “Save”

    http://www.aboutheicindia.tk

    Like

  27. ZAKAAT

    Zakaat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaat), over seventy times in the Qur’an. Allah’s word commanding “……..and establish regular Salaat and give regular Zakaat…….” are referred to in many parts of the Qur’an. From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakaat is the most important act in Islam.

    Just as Salaat is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily, so is Zakaat the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily. Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and hereafter. Whoever evades Zakaat has been sternly warned in the Qur’an and Hadith of the consequences.

    Linguistically, Zakaat has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify one’s possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer.

    There are many major benefits of giving Zakaat:

    · It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His commands.

    · Zakaat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.

    · Zakaat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakaat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.

    · Economically, Zakaat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakaat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.

    Zakaat is obligatory upon a person if :

    · He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim.

    · He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs).

    · It should be possessed for a complete lunar year.

    · It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc.

    The amount of wealth which makes one liable for Zakaat is called Nisaab. The Nisaab as fixed by Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wassallam) is as follows:

    Grams Tolas Grains Troy Oz.
    GOLD: 87.48 7.5 1350 2.8125
    SILVER: 612.36 52.5 9450 19.6875

    Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold or Silver. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold, silver, currency etc. and if it is equal to or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as specified in the above table, the Zakaat is due at the rate of 2.5% .

    The payment of Zakaat is compulsory on the excess wealth or effects which is equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakaat then must be calculated on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year.

    TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAAT IS IMPOSED:

    1. Gold and silver, in any form

    2. Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc.

    3. Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab

    4. Livestock

    5. On income derived from rental business

    CALCULATION OF ZAKAAT:

    1. To calculate Zakaat on jewelry etc. one must first determine the gold or silver content and then calculate the Zakaat according to current market price.

    2. If the Gold possessed is less than 87.48 grams or if silver possessed is less then 612.36 grams, but the value of both combined is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab of either Gold or Silver, the Zakaat will be due.

    3. In the event of an article not being of pure gold or pure silver, but containing a mixture of other metals and the gold or silver content is more than the other metal, it will be regarded as gold or silver and Zakaat will be due. But in the case where other metal/s is of greater quantity than either gold or silver, Zakaat will not be due on this article.

    4. For stocks (shares held in a company), Zakaat is calculated based upon the current market value. As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings etc. are exempt from Zakaat, one is allowed to subtract these from the total asset. This could be obtained from annual reports. For example, if one has shares worth $1000 and machinery, land etc., are worth 5% of the total asset, then deduct $50 for these assets, afterwards deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to the percentage of shares held. Zakaat must be calculated on the balance.

    DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAAT:

    1. Zakaat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.

    2. All of the Zakaat can be given to one person or to several persons.

    3. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakaat nor can Zakaat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakaat.

    4. Zakaat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakaat money, then Zakaat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.

    5. Zakaat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity.

    6. Zakaat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash .

    TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAAT IS NOT IMPOSED:

    1. On any metals other than gold or silver

    2. Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business.

    3. Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi precious stones which are for personal use.

    4. There is no Zakaat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.

    5. There is no Zakaat on a person whose liabilities exceed or equal his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakaat purpose).

    RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAAT:

    The recipients of Zakaat, according to Qur’an are as follows:

    “Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” (Qur’an 9:60)

    1. FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.

    2. MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations.

    3. AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakaat.

    4. MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith.

    5. AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.

    6. AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.

    7. FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation.

    8. IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakaat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.

    PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAAT:

    1. Zakaat cannot be given to the descendants of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wassallam);

    2. Zakaat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one’s children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakaat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakaat to each other.

    3. Zakaat contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organizations who do not give the rightful recipients possession of Zakaat, but instead use Zakaat funds for constructions, investment or salaries.

    VIRTUES OF ZAKAAT:

    Allah says in the Qur’an:

    “The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases.” (Qur’an 2:261)

    It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakaat the following benefits are derived:

    1. Gain the pleasure of Allah

    2. Increase in wealth and protection from losses

    3. Allah’s forgiveness and blessings

    4. Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death

    5. A shelter on the Day of Judgment;

    6. Security from seventy misfortunes

    THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAAT:

    Allah says in the Qur’an:

    “And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding.” (Qur’an 9:34-35)
    By Mohamad Akram Khan Hatim Educational Information Centre .www.aboutheicindia.tk Cell:0091-9839237737

    Like

  28. ZAKAAT

    Zakaat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaat), over seventy times in the Qur’an. Allah’s word commanding “……..and establish regular Salaat and give regular Zakaat…….” are referred to in many parts of the Qur’an. From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakaat is the most important act in Islam.

    Just as Salaat is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily, so is Zakaat the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily. Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and hereafter. Whoever evades Zakaat has been sternly warned in the Qur’an and Hadith of the consequences.

    Linguistically, Zakaat has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify one’s possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer.

    There are many major benefits of giving Zakaat:

    · It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His commands.

    · Zakaat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.

    · Zakaat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakaat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.

    · Economically, Zakaat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakaat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.

    Zakaat is obligatory upon a person if :

    · He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim.

    · He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs).

    · It should be possessed for a complete lunar year.

    · It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc.

    The amount of wealth which makes one liable for Zakaat is called Nisaab. The Nisaab as fixed by Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wassallam) is as follows:

    Grams Tolas Grains Troy Oz.
    GOLD: 87.48 7.5 1350 2.8125
    SILVER: 612.36 52.5 9450 19.6875

    Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold or Silver. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold, silver, currency etc. and if it is equal to or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as specified in the above table, the Zakaat is due at the rate of 2.5% .

    The payment of Zakaat is compulsory on the excess wealth or effects which is equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakaat then must be calculated on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year.

    TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAAT IS IMPOSED:

    1. Gold and silver, in any form

    2. Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc.

    3. Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab

    4. Livestock

    5. On income derived from rental business

    CALCULATION OF ZAKAAT:

    1. To calculate Zakaat on jewelry etc. one must first determine the gold or silver content and then calculate the Zakaat according to current market price.

    2. If the Gold possessed is less than 87.48 grams or if silver possessed is less then 612.36 grams, but the value of both combined is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab of either Gold or Silver, the Zakaat will be due.

    3. In the event of an article not being of pure gold or pure silver, but containing a mixture of other metals and the gold or silver content is more than the other metal, it will be regarded as gold or silver and Zakaat will be due. But in the case where other metal/s is of greater quantity than either gold or silver, Zakaat will not be due on this article.

    4. For stocks (shares held in a company), Zakaat is calculated based upon the current market value. As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings etc. are exempt from Zakaat, one is allowed to subtract these from the total asset. This could be obtained from annual reports. For example, if one has shares worth $1000 and machinery, land etc., are worth 5% of the total asset, then deduct $50 for these assets, afterwards deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to the percentage of shares held. Zakaat must be calculated on the balance.

    DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAAT:

    1. Zakaat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.

    2. All of the Zakaat can be given to one person or to several persons.

    3. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakaat nor can Zakaat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakaat.

    4. Zakaat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakaat money, then Zakaat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.

    5. Zakaat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity.

    6. Zakaat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash .

    TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAAT IS NOT IMPOSED:

    1. On any metals other than gold or silver

    2. Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business.

    3. Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi precious stones which are for personal use.

    4. There is no Zakaat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.

    5. There is no Zakaat on a person whose liabilities exceed or equal his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakaat purpose).

    RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAAT:

    The recipients of Zakaat, according to Qur’an are as follows:

    “Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” (Qur’an 9:60)

    1. FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.

    2. MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations.

    3. AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakaat.

    4. MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith.

    5. AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.

    6. AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.

    7. FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation.

    8. IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakaat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.

    PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAAT:

    1. Zakaat cannot be given to the descendants of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wassallam);

    2. Zakaat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one’s children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakaat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakaat to each other.

    3. Zakaat contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organizations who do not give the rightful recipients possession of Zakaat, but instead use Zakaat funds for constructions, investment or salaries.

    VIRTUES OF ZAKAAT:

    Allah says in the Qur’an:

    “The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases.” (Qur’an 2:261)

    It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakaat the following benefits are derived:

    1. Gain the pleasure of Allah

    2. Increase in wealth and protection from losses

    3. Allah’s forgiveness and blessings

    4. Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death

    5. A shelter on the Day of Judgment;

    6. Security from seventy misfortunes

    THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAAT:

    Allah says in the Qur’an:

    “And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding.” (Qur’an 9:34-35)
    By Mohamad Akram Khan Hatim Educational Information Centre .www.aboutheicindia.tk Cell:0091-9839237737

    Like

  29. Hatim Educational Information Centre
    & Welfare society
    194/24.L.P.ROAD WAZIRGANJ LUCKNOW, 226018.UP.INDIA
    Fax: 0091-522-2619607.Cell:0091-9839237737
    Email-ID : hmc29@rediffmail.com, http://www.millat.tk

    OVERVIEW:
    Developing the community morally and spiritually, and empowering its members through knowledge and involvement so that they can contribute to the improvement of life conditions around them, is the paramount mission of the (HEICWS) Hatim Educational Information Centre& Welfare Society. As the Qura’n makes it clear, a true Muslim is a person who purifies his/her soul and refines his/her character, through knowledge and service. “Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah works righteousness and says: I am of those who bow in Islam?” (41:33) “and say: O my Lord! Advance me in knowledge.” (20:114)
    INTRODUCTION:
    Hatim Educational Information Centre & Welfare Society (hereinafter referred to as “HEICWS”) was formed in the year 2002 with a view to promote the Educational, Cultural, Social and Islamic objectives as enshrined in the memorandum of association of the society. In last four years of its operation the HEICWS has made a significant contribution in the field of Education, Islamic Shariyah and Development.
    HEICWS’s achievements so far are due to its partners in development, and to the people who makeup HEICWS. Our committed staff everywhere, the volunteers who give so much of their time and the donors who are generous enough to make field visits.
    HEICWS is committed for turning a passion for justice into effective action. HEICWS is justified by the impact it makes. We are accountable to both the donors/funding agencies and to the people we assist, to make sure that the money is used well under the Shariya Law. Our aim is to maximize the quality and effectiveness of our work.
    It is a development oriented non-profitable agency, working towards the education and developmental issues. As HEICWS believes that social problems can be tackled best through the concerted efforts on the part of the people themselves, it works in partnership with local communities
    MISSION:
    Our mission is statement is very simple and straight forward ….
    “TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL, INCREASE THEIR SKILLS, ABILITIES AND TO ENHANCE HUMAN DIGNITY BY PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES WITHIN THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES.”
    The areas in which programmes and activities are designed with our mission in mind are as follows:-
    1. Basic primary education for all.
    2. Quality & Cheaper higher education in the shape of Islamic Shariyah.
    3. Quality & Cheaper Computer Education.
    4. Vocational & Job oriented Training.
    5. Special programs for marginalised class.
    6. Health Awareness camps
    7. Adult Education programmes.
    8. Scholarships for needy & orphan Muslim Student & Huffaz-e- Keraam.
    HEICWS HAS ITS SPECIFIC AIMS:
    1. A. Work for Dawah The Islamic Trabiyah.
    B. The HEICWS shall grant scholarships to poor students so that they may be able to keep their studies continue.
    C. Influencing public and political attitudes towards the basic problems and addressing complex links between literacy, ignorance, unawareness and poverty.
    D. HEICWS Shall Save the Muslims from prohibited means of interest
    E. The HEICWS shall run Schools, Colleges, Madarassas, Hostels, Medical Colleges Physical Education Centres Libraries and Institutions for orphans and handicapped.

    2. A. The main aim of the HEICWS shall be to establish Research and Technical Institute and Hospitals to the benefit of the General Masses for The Para Medical Services.
    B. HEICWS shall make every effort for upliftment of down trodden people by providing them best Educations for growth of good health.
    C. The HEICWS shall impart best Medical Education to the students through its Institutions by employing best expert teachers in this field.
    D. The HEICWS to achieve its prime objects shall also establish Research Centres, and it shall also manage professional education educational institutes. Training and Technical Education in the areas found to be educationally backward.
    E. The HEICWS besides the nucleus of the Chief executive shall collect Aids, Donations from different bodies, institutions and also from Central as well as State Govt. to full fill the objects of the HEICWS.
    F. The HEICWS shall also create its own resources for the Income of the HEICWS by establishing the Poultry Farm, Fish Farm or such other events as deemed appropriate by the HEICWS.
    G. The HEICWS shall take up the projects for education of female students so that they may play in important roll in the society.
    ORGANISATION STRUCTURE:
    The HEICWS has national executive committee of twelve members with Maulana Mohd. Ahmad Beg Nadvi (Lecturer in Nadva College, Lko.) as its president and its Vice president, Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Ansari (BUMS). The members are elected by its general body. The Founder/Secretary Mohammad Akram Khan runs the administration with the help of other members/persons. He is its chief executive of the society.
    ACHIEVEMENTS:
    Since our inception in 2002, we can proudly look back and feel pleased with our modest accomplishments. We are thankful to those who have recognized our work and encourage us to move on and work towards the upliftment of masses. We fully understand that we can’t rely on our past accomplishment and laurels, as a tremendous amount of word needs yet to be done at the grass root level.
    While we appreciate the accomplishments listed below, what really motivates and inspires us each day is the knowledge that through our efforts someone’s life is going to be touched positively and that inner satisfaction can’t be replaced by any other form of reward. We firmly believe that it is this internal satisfaction that is driving us to work against all odds.
    Some of our Major Achievements:
    1. Setting up of Hafiz-e-Millat Academy for providing the quality primary education and Islamic nutrition, to the marginalised community.
    2. Setting up of WIIT (Computer Centre) for providing the quality and cheaper computer education to the marginalised community.
    3. Halima Girls School (Under the process)
    THE REGULATORY FRAME WORK:
    The HEICWS is a society registered under the provisions of section 3 of the Societies Registration Act. 1860. Accordingly it is bound by the provisions of the said act besides its memorandum of association and bye-laws.

    Like

  30. Hatim Educational Information Centre
    & Welfare society
    194/24.L.P.ROAD WAZIRGANJ LUCKNOW, 226018.UP.INDIA
    Fax: 0091-522-2619607.Cell:0091-9839237737
    Email-ID : hmc29@rediffmail.com, http://www.millat.tk

    OVERVIEW:
    Developing the community morally and spiritually, and empowering its members through knowledge and involvement so that they can contribute to the improvement of life conditions around them, is the paramount mission of the (HEICWS) Hatim Educational Information Centre& Welfare Society. As the Qura’n makes it clear, a true Muslim is a person who purifies his/her soul and refines his/her character, through knowledge and service. “Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah works righteousness and says: I am of those who bow in Islam?” (41:33) “and say: O my Lord! Advance me in knowledge.” (20:114)
    INTRODUCTION:
    Hatim Educational Information Centre & Welfare Society (hereinafter referred to as “HEICWS”) was formed in the year 2002 with a view to promote the Educational, Cultural, Social and Islamic objectives as enshrined in the memorandum of association of the society. In last four years of its operation the HEICWS has made a significant contribution in the field of Education, Islamic Shariyah and Development.
    HEICWS’s achievements so far are due to its partners in development, and to the people who makeup HEICWS. Our committed staff everywhere, the volunteers who give so much of their time and the donors who are generous enough to make field visits.
    HEICWS is committed for turning a passion for justice into effective action. HEICWS is justified by the impact it makes. We are accountable to both the donors/funding agencies and to the people we assist, to make sure that the money is used well under the Shariya Law. Our aim is to maximize the quality and effectiveness of our work.
    It is a development oriented non-profitable agency, working towards the education and developmental issues. As HEICWS believes that social problems can be tackled best through the concerted efforts on the part of the people themselves, it works in partnership with local communities
    MISSION:
    Our mission is statement is very simple and straight forward ….
    “TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL, INCREASE THEIR SKILLS, ABILITIES AND TO ENHANCE HUMAN DIGNITY BY PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES WITHIN THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES.”
    The areas in which programmes and activities are designed with our mission in mind are as follows:-
    1. Basic primary education for all.
    2. Quality & Cheaper higher education in the shape of Islamic Shariyah.
    3. Quality & Cheaper Computer Education.
    4. Vocational & Job oriented Training.
    5. Special programs for marginalised class.
    6. Health Awareness camps
    7. Adult Education programmes.
    8. Scholarships for needy & orphan Muslim Student & Huffaz-e- Keraam.
    HEICWS HAS ITS SPECIFIC AIMS:
    1. A. Work for Dawah The Islamic Trabiyah.
    B. The HEICWS shall grant scholarships to poor students so that they may be able to keep their studies continue.
    C. Influencing public and political attitudes towards the basic problems and addressing complex links between literacy, ignorance, unawareness and poverty.
    D. HEICWS Shall Save the Muslims from prohibited means of interest
    E. The HEICWS shall run Schools, Colleges, Madarassas, Hostels, Medical Colleges Physical Education Centres Libraries and Institutions for orphans and handicapped.

    2. A. The main aim of the HEICWS shall be to establish Research and Technical Institute and Hospitals to the benefit of the General Masses for The Para Medical Services.
    B. HEICWS shall make every effort for upliftment of down trodden people by providing them best Educations for growth of good health.
    C. The HEICWS shall impart best Medical Education to the students through its Institutions by employing best expert teachers in this field.
    D. The HEICWS to achieve its prime objects shall also establish Research Centres, and it shall also manage professional education educational institutes. Training and Technical Education in the areas found to be educationally backward.
    E. The HEICWS besides the nucleus of the Chief executive shall collect Aids, Donations from different bodies, institutions and also from Central as well as State Govt. to full fill the objects of the HEICWS.
    F. The HEICWS shall also create its own resources for the Income of the HEICWS by establishing the Poultry Farm, Fish Farm or such other events as deemed appropriate by the HEICWS.
    G. The HEICWS shall take up the projects for education of female students so that they may play in important roll in the society.
    ORGANISATION STRUCTURE:
    The HEICWS has national executive committee of twelve members with Maulana Mohd. Ahmad Beg Nadvi (Lecturer in Nadva College, Lko.) as its president and its Vice president, Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Ansari (BUMS). The members are elected by its general body. The Founder/Secretary Mohammad Akram Khan runs the administration with the help of other members/persons. He is its chief executive of the society.
    ACHIEVEMENTS:
    Since our inception in 2002, we can proudly look back and feel pleased with our modest accomplishments. We are thankful to those who have recognized our work and encourage us to move on and work towards the upliftment of masses. We fully understand that we can’t rely on our past accomplishment and laurels, as a tremendous amount of word needs yet to be done at the grass root level.
    While we appreciate the accomplishments listed below, what really motivates and inspires us each day is the knowledge that through our efforts someone’s life is going to be touched positively and that inner satisfaction can’t be replaced by any other form of reward. We firmly believe that it is this internal satisfaction that is driving us to work against all odds.
    Some of our Major Achievements:
    1. Setting up of Hafiz-e-Millat Academy for providing the quality primary education and Islamic nutrition, to the marginalised community.
    2. Setting up of WIIT (Computer Centre) for providing the quality and cheaper computer education to the marginalised community.
    3. Halima Girls School (Under the process)
    THE REGULATORY FRAME WORK:
    The HEICWS is a society registered under the provisions of section 3 of the Societies Registration Act. 1860. Accordingly it is bound by the provisions of the said act besides its memorandum of association and bye-laws.

    Like

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