Sultan Sharafuddin of Selangor calls on Muslims to use authorised channels for zakat, warning against unauthorised cross-state collections and stressing transparent distribution to asnaf.
SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has urged Muslims to understand the importance of paying zakat through authorised channels and ensuring its transparent distribution to eligible asnaf recipients.
In a Facebook post by the Selangor Royal Office, Sultan Sharafuddin said each state has its own collection and distribution system to ensure the welfare of asnaf is properly managed.
External parties should not cross state boundaries to collect zakat without permission from the relevant state authorities.
“The Sultan of Selangor calls on all Selangor residents to understand and reflect on the essence of today’s Friday sermon delivered in mosques across the state titled ‘Pay Zakat to Authorised Amil’,” the post said.
“His Royal Highness wants all of us to take heed and realise that zakat is an act of worship involving wealth and plays a significant role in assisting asnaf and strengthening the economic well-being of the Muslim community.”
In Selangor, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), with the consent of the Sultan, has appointed the Lembaga Zakat Selangor (Zakat Selangor) to manage all matters related to zakat collection and distribution.
The post also reiterated Sultan Sharafuddin’s reminder that zakat collected within a state must be distributed to asnaf in that same state, and that Muslims have a responsibility to protect the rights of asnaf from being misappropriated by irresponsible parties.
“Do not remain silent or conceal wrongdoing, as we may be considered complicit in injustice by denying the rights of asnaf,” the post stated.
“Muslims must understand that not only zakat, but any form of public fund collection involving the interests of Muslims in Selangor must obtain approval from the relevant authorities.”
