PUTRAJAYA: State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN) and the Tithe Management Agency (AMZ) should conduct zakat collection online during Ramadan, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.
He said such an initiative would enable Muslims to perform their religious obligation quickly and safely, as well as break the Covid-19 chain of infection.
However, he said, for those not technologically proficient, the zakat payment service through amil (individuals tasked to handle tithe affairs) would be provided at a minimal cost.
“All directives and control procedures prescribed by the National Security Council and the Health Ministry must be complied with when it comes to zakat related matters.
“Zakat payment methods such as drive-through payment and house-to-house collection will also be available,” he posted on Facebook yesterday.
Zulkifli said the process for zakat payments should be conducted in a short time.
He said zakat contributors and amil must maintain their personal hygiene, wear face masks and use disinfectants.
“Zakat contributors are encouraged to ensure they have sufficient funds. There is also no need to shake hands when making payments. They should leave immediately after completing the religious obligation.”
He said those who were sick were not allowed to collect zakat payments or pay zakat.
He said those who tested positive for Covid-19 or had just recovered from the coronavirus infection, as well as patients under investigation, should allow healthy family members to represent them in paying zakat.
Zulkifli said no zakat counter services would be provided in public areas. He said zakat rates for states depended on the type of rice consumed in the states.
He said according to Egyptian Islamic theologian Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, paying zakat at a higher rate was a commendable act.
He said those whose livelihoods were affected by the MCO and Covid-19 could pay their zakat based on the minimum rate set by MAIN and AMZ.