PUTATAN: Muslims are urged to pay Zakat Fitrah directly to the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis).
Muis President Datuk Yahya Hussin said there are still some who prefer the traditional method of giving zakat directly to individuals.
“I am not saying this is wrong, but we now have an institution that manages zakat, so it should be channelled through it,” he said.
According to Yahya, Muis is responsible for collecting, regulating and managing zakat and fitrah, as well as distributing them according to syarak (Islamic principles).
“We hope that the zakat collection will continue to increase each year, as Sabah is one of the states with a large population. Therefore, awareness of paying zakat is crucial.
“Muis has always provided assistance to tahfiz centres and orphanages, but the amount is limited due to the high number of recipients,” he said during an Iftar with orphans at his residence on Friday.
Also present were Muis Secretary/Chief Executive Officer Ramlan Awang Ali and Muis Council members.
Yahya advised Muslims to fulfil their zakat fitrah obligations as Ramadan enters its mid-phase.
“We want more Muslims to be aware of their obligation to pay zakat, and now is the time for zakat fitrah payments.
“So, for those who have not yet paid, please do so, as Nuzul Al-Quran is approaching, marking the halfway point of Ramadan,” he said.
During the event, Yahya distributed duit raya to 100 orphans and khatam Al-Quran participants, as well as food baskets.
