malaysiang
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on the Muslims in Selangor to pay their zakat (tithe) directly to the appointed amil (collectors) in the state. His Royal Highness emphasized the importance of ensuring zakat payments are made to authorized collectors within Selangor’s jurisdiction.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed concern over instances where agents, appointed by Islamic religious councils from other states, have been collecting zakat in Selangor, an act that contravenes the state’s designated areas for such collections. The Sultan’s message, shared on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page, underscored that these agents are motivated by the prospect of high rebates, prompting them to collect zakat beyond their borders, which is in violation of their state’s Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment.
Sultan Sharafuddin highlighted the significance of zakat funds in Selangor, stating that they are essential for supporting the asnaf (tith
e recipients) with a required amount of RM1.36 billion. He warned that if zakat collections are diverted by unauthorized parties, it would deprive the asnaf in Selangor of the assistance they are entitled to receive.
In light of these concerns, Sultan Sharafuddin urged Muslims in Selangor to pay attention to the Friday sermon titled ‘Pay to the Appointed Amil in Selangor,’ which was delivered in mosques across the state. He reminded the community that the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) is exclusively responsible for managing Islamic affairs in the state, including the accreditation of zakat collectors.
His Royal Highness explained that under syariah rulings, collecting zakat beyond the state’s borders is an offence, and making payments to unauthorized agents renders those payments invalid. He posed a rhetorical question about the consequences of giving zakat to these irresponsible entities, highlighting the severity of the implications for those who do not fulfill their zakat obligations, includi
ng severe punishment in the hereafter.
