Perlis to hand out zakat to non-Muslims

PETALING JAYA: Needy non-Muslims in Perlis can now receive zakat payment.
The announcement was made through a statement issued by the office of Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (pix) following the Perlis Fatwa Council meeting last month.
In the statement, Asri said that zakat to 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).
He added that such a move has been initiated by the Prophet Muhammad to non-Muslims from the musyrikin and their leaders, as stated in the authentic narrations.
A copy of the statement was also uploaded on Asri's official Facebook page, DrMaza.com.
Zakat is a form of taxation for Muslims which is then redistributed to the needy.
This redistribution has conventionally been reserved for Muslims only.