Page 12 - Zakat in Malaysia

ZAKAT IN MALAYSIA

THE ROLES OF THE ISLAMIC

RELIGIOUS COUNCIL (IRC)

1. A policy maker
2. A supervisory body
3. Accountable to the Sultan or Ruler of the State
4. Collects zakat
5. Distributes zakat
6. Ensures adherence to and observance of the Islamic faith by individuals and
society involving matters including:

• mosques • propagation of the Islamic faith
• prayers • conversion to Islam
• fasting • Muslims’ welfare
• marriage and divorce • Muslims’ festivals
• Islamic education • waqf or endowment
• Shariah law

Each state’s IRC is the body responsible for all the zakat affairs of the state. The IRCs
are established under either Federal or State Legislation, and they rely on the Islamic
Religious Department. The Islamic Religious Department is a government department
established in each State, and it is responsible for providing administrative services
and implementing the decisions made by the IRC.

Meanwhile, the SRC’s responsibilities on matters related to zakat include:

1. Establishing zakat offices for zakat collection and distribution
2. Appointing amils/officers
3. Planning the collection and distribution of zakat

There are various names for the zakat management offices of the IRC in each
state, such as Zakat & Baitulmal Office, Zakat Committee, Zakat Unit, and Zakat
Department. There are also zakat officers or amils who are appointed to collect zakat
al-fitr (zakat on own self) during the month of Ramadhan.

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