3,855 Qualify For Tithes This Year
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - "Currently there are 3,855 heads of families belonging to the `Asnaf Fakir Miskin' group who willbe given tithes this year. From that total, some 863 heads of families are listed as recipients of monthly aid in the form of necessary items, cash, schooling assistance and rent."

This was stated by Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, in his capacity as Acting `Yang Dipertua' or president of the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Religious Council. He said this during a ceremony held to present letters of appointment to `anvils' or tithe collectors from throughout the country yesterday.

The acting minister was the guest of honour at the event which took place at Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Kg Kiarong.

`Beginning last year, all aid in the form of cash has been channelled through banks. Previously tithes were - distributed on the eve of Hari Raya or given on a gradual basis during the month of Ramadhan, or on the opening day of school and every nionth up till September this year.

The list of recipients have been arranged according to districts and villages or areas, and the list will be distributed to all 'amils', village heads and penghulus of mukims," the acting minister added.

Speaking on the appointment of `amils' and their duties he said, "The duty and responsibility of the appointments, be it the 'amil', officer or staff in the service of managing tithes, need to executed with honesty and trustworthiness. They have to be efficient and committed, thorough and systematic, and follow the rules and guidelines."

He added that the rates for the distribution of tithe would be announced on a later date. Also speaking at the event was deputy co-chairman of the ceremony, Dyg Hjh Norzainah binti Md Tahir, Acting Secretary Brunei Islamic Religious Council.

Some 283 individuals from 134 areas throughout the country received their letters of appointment. The period of appointment of the 'amil' is for a year, from the first of Ramadhan 1427 to the 30 of Syaaban 1428.

The responsibility of the 'amil' is to collect 'fitrah', tithe and property tithe in the areas they have been assigned to, according to the Brunei Islamic Religious Council Tithe and 'Fitrah' Rules. 'Amils' comprise mosque and government officers. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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