Gov’t distributed $18m in ‘zakat’ funds last year

Quratul-Ain Bandial
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Brunei government distributed almost $18 million in zakat (alms) funds in 2014, the Minister of Religious Affairs said yesterday.

In response to questions raised during at the Legislative Council meeting, Yang Berhormat Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abd Rahman said a total of $17,922, 284 had been collected from the population last year.

Some $15,970,127 was distributed to the poor and needy (Asnaf Fakir Miskin); $1,086,580 to new Muslim converts (muallaf); $657,775 to those in debt (Al-Gharimin); and $207,801 to the Amil (those employed to administer zakat).

The majority of the alms collected – some $16,923,245 from 4,386 people – was zakat harta, or alms paid on wealth.

Zakat harta refers to the mandatory alms payable by Muslims who own specific types of property, such as cattle, farms, mines or businesses.

The minister said there is still low awareness on this kind of alms-giving, which is mandatory for Muslims who possess certain kinds of wealth.

“The Friday sermon is one of the effective mediums to convey such messages. More aggressive efforts however will be carried out to remind the Muslim community of their obligation to pay zakat on wealth,” said YB Pg Dato Dr Hj Mohammad.

The rest of the zakat funds – around $924,402 collected from 328,452 people – came from zakat fitrah, the traditional alms given before Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

The minister added that all zakat funds were audited on a regular basis.

“Information disseminated needs to be easily understood to instil public confidence that the management of zakat by the relevant agency is undertaken in a proper, smooth and efficient manner.”


Sumber - The Brunei Times