Cross-state zakat payments now an offence, says Jakim

 The Islamic development department says it is now up to each state to take action against any party from another state that collects zakat within its jurisdiction.

Jakim director-general Sirajuddin Suhaimee said only authorised amil (zakat collectors) appointed by a state may collect zakat in that state. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Cross-state zakat payments are now an offence, the Islamic development department (Jakim) has revealed.

Jakim director-general Sirajuddin Suhaimee said that the matter had been discussed and decided by the muzakarah committee of the National Council for Islamic religious affairs, Bernama reported.

“It is now up to each state to take action against any party from another state that collects zakat within its jurisdiction.

“Only authorised amil (zakat collectors) appointed by that state are qualified and empowered to collect zakat, be it zakat fitrah (obligatory charity at the end of Ramadan) or zakat on wealth, within that state,” he was quoted as saying.

In 2024, the MKI’s muzakarah committee said any certification or appointment allowing collectors or agents to collect zakat outside the state’s jurisdiction is invalid under Islamic law.

It also contradicted the zakat laws in the respective states.

Then chairman Nooh Gadut said the transfer of zakat funds to other states by appointed collectors or agents were also deemed invalid. - FMT