SHAH ALAM, Nov 1 — The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has called on Muslims in Selangor to pay their zakat (tithe) directly to the appointed amil (collectors) in the state.
His Royal Highness said this is because there were cases where certain agents, appointed by Islamic religious councils from other states, have collected zakat in Selangor, which is outside the designated area.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the promise of high rebates has driven these agents to aggressively collect zakat across state borders even though it violates their state’s Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment.
“Zakat funds in Selangor are crucial for supporting the asnaf (tithe recipients), and the required amount is RM1.36 billion.
“If zakat collections are ‘smuggled’ elsewhere by irresponsible parties, it will deny asnaf (tithe recipients) in Selangor the aid they rightfully deserve,” His Royal Highness said via a statement on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page today
Therefore, the Ruler urged Muslims in Selangor to heed today’s Friday sermon, titled “Pay to the Appointed Amil in Selangor,” delivered in mosques across the state.
His Royal Highness reiterated that the Selangor Islamic Religious Council is solely responsible for managing Islamic affairs in the state, including appointing or accrediting zakat collectors.
Under Syariah rulings, collecting zakat beyond the state’s border is an offence, and payments made to unauthorised agents are deemed invalid.
“Let us imagine the predicament of zakat given to these irresponsible entities, what was deemed as valid and having fulfilled the obligation, but instead remain invalid and its obligation unfulfilled.
“What are the implications of not fulfilling zakat? The fate of those not spending their wealth fulfilling zakat is severe punishment in the hereafter,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
— Bernama
