KUALA LUMPUR: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he accepts and respects
the reminder from Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah that zakat distribution should only be for eight types of asnaf (those eligible for tithe) among Muslims.
The PKR President stressed that his opinion was to advocate discussion following different views involved in title distribution.
“In my speech, I said that Islam is about fairness, love and blessings.
“That was my opinion, so that this can be researched and studied by the mufti and relevant religious council.
“If they decided to not agree, it’s okay.
“Like in Selangor, we abide by their decision as it is under the Sultan and the religious council,” he said at the Parliament lobby today.
On Oct 30, Anwar was reported as suggesting that tithe institutions expannd their distribution to non-Muslims, but stressed it was his personal opinion and could only be made based on the fatwa (Islamic ruling) and current policies.
Sultan Sharafuddin, in turn, decreed that Selangor would remain committed to distribute zakat only among Muslims.
The state ruler said zakat distribution to non-Muslims could only be done when they reverted to Islam.
Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria said the state had yet to decide to give zakat to non-Muslims as there were still Muslims who needed the funds more.
Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, however, said the state had passed a fatwa in 2017 allowing zakat collection to be distributed to non-Muslims under the asnaf segment called “muallafah qulubuhum”, which was a group that wanted to have a better perception, attitude and perception towards Islam.