Zakah extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire –Shaheem

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Maldives State Minister for Islamic Affairs Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that Zakah expiates and extinguished sins just as water extinguishes fire.

Shaheem said that the obligatory nature of Zakah is firmly established in the Quran, the Sunnah and the consensus of the companions and the Muslim scholars.

“There are eight categories on which zakah must be spent, which Allah has explained clearly. He states that this is a duty imposed by Allah and that it is based on knowledge and wisdom. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“Charity are only for the poor, and those in need and those employed to collect the funds; and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined towards Islam; and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause and for the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise,” said Shaheem.

In thursday night’s forum conducted by Ministry of Islamic Affairs to revive the nights of Ramadan held at Islamic Center, Shaheem said that Zakah is a purification and a struggle against the soul for the rich. He said that when the rich give Zakah they do so hoping for the reward with their Lord.

“It is indicative of a person’s sincerity of faith, because wealth is dear to people, and something that is loved will not be given up except for something that is equally or more loved, or rather for something that is more loved.”

Shaheem noted the importance of establishing an institution to administer and disperse the Zakah funds. The state Minister for Islamic Affairs also appealed the legal body to make way for the legal preparations to establish such an institution.

Shaheem alleged that some business companies allocate a budget for bribery despite it being from the major sins. He expressed concern that there is no news on companies allocating a budget for the religious obligation of Zakah.

The state minister also said that it is a common misconception among some that it is sufficient for Zakah to be given to the poor. He said that rather the Zakah of wealth should be handed over to the authority.

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