Perlis mufti proposes zakat to be distributed to non-Muslims in need
CORONAVIRUS | Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has proposed for zakat aid to be extended to non-Muslims in need as the entire country and its people are battling the Covid-19 crisis.
According to him, Perlis has done this before and suggested other states emulate the effort.
“In the current situation where many people are affected...
CORONAVIRUS | Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has proposed for zakat aid to be extended to non-Muslims in need as the entire country and its people are battling the Covid-19 crisis.
According to him, Perlis has done this before and suggested other states emulate the effort.
“In the current situation where many people are affected, the broadness of Islamic jurisprudence that allows for zakat to be given to non-Muslims should be applied.
“The hardships faced during the Covid-19 season crosses all religions.
“Zakat leaves a good effect on the soul of those who receives it. In Perlis, we have been doing this since 2017.
“Maybe the same can be suggested elsewhere. This, too, must be under the management and evaluation of zakat management,” he said in a statement sent to his WhatsApp group today.
Prior to this, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (religious affair) Zulkifi Mohamad said the "Musa’adah Covid-19" fund, launched by the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim), also aimed to help all Malaysians, including non-Muslims.
According to Zulkifli, collection from the fund would be used to help those affected by the coronavirus, especially public servants and senior Jakim officers on duty during the four-week movement control order (MCO)
Last November, Perlis passed a fatwa allowing zakat to be given to non-Muslims under as muallafah qulubuhum recipients, or those who wished to harmonise their perception and attitude towards Islam.
Zakat is an annual payment tithe made by Muslims to support the less fortunate.
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