Tithe Worth $10M Out Tomorrow
By Shafiyi Azahari

Bandar Seri Begawan - Poor people and converts in the Sultanate will receive zakat or tithe for the Hari Raya, the Islamic Religious Council said yesterday.

The distribution of zakat to the impoverished will commence tomorrow, October 18.

It will be distributed through banks for those with bank accounts, while the muallaf (converts) will receive it on October 19.

Those who have no bank accounts will receive their alms directly from officials of the Islamic Religious Council at the Religious Affairs Ministry.

Based on an agreement reached last week by the council's distribution committee, the tithe will not be given to eligible recipients in lump sums but they will receive it every month over one year with an aim to encourage them to save.

The council said in a statement that a total of 3856 heads of families will each receive $1300, while 12,678 dependents will get $380 each.

There are about 9968 poor people in the Brunei-Muara district, 3477 in Kuala Belait, 2315 in Tutong and 774, Temburong.

About $10 million worth of tithe money is expected to be distributed this year before the Hari Raya, which is a week away.

A total of 2325 convert heads of families will each receive $300 and and 781 dependents $220.

It will be made in lump sums and given by designated tithe managers.

Acting secretary of the council Awg Abd Wahab Safar said that converts eligible to receive the money are those who applied and complied with the requirements, which include stability in practicing their belief.

"Judgement on the stability of the practice of their faith is based on their performances, such as their going to Mecca for haj pilgrimage," he said.

However, if a convert has embraced Islam for more than 10 years, he will no longer be regarded as muallaf, and therefore is no longer eligible for the alms, said Abd Wahab.

"However, if they are found to be impoverished, then they will receive tithe," he added.

For further inquiries, tithe eligibles may contact Abd Wahab Safar at 2384176.

The tithe money collected in the Sultanate is under the management of the collection and distribution unit of the religious council.

The money was collected from both fitrah (individual) and property tithe.

Zakat is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam which refers to spending a fixed portion of one's wealth.

However, a Muslim may donate additional money along with the specified tithe amount as an act of sedaqah or voluntary charity to achieve supplementary divine rewards.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in its website recently said it would also distribute donations to the needy and muallaf not only for the Hari Raya celebrations but also for other purposes, such as education and year-end necessities.

The donation will not necessarily be in the form of cash but also in kind, such as food and other daily necessities.

The criteria for those qualified to receive the donations include the lack income sources, besides being Muslim. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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