Needy non-Muslims in Perlis are now allowed to receive zakat.

This was announced through a statement issued by the office of Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

"Zakat for non Muslims under Asnaf 'muallafah qulubuhum' (those who we wish to harmonise their attitude and perception towards Islam) may be granted the benefit that is determined by Ulil Amri (those entrusted with authority).

"It has been done by the Prophet Muhammad to non-Muslims from the musyrikin and their leaders, as stated in the authentic narrations," read the mufti's office statement.

A copy of the statement was also uploaded on Mohd Asri's official Facebook page.

The decision was made following the Perlis Fatwa Council meeting.

Zakat is a form of taxation for Muslims which is then redistributed to the needy.

In Malaysia, the redistribution has conventionally been for Muslims only.