ISLAM, a religion that brings the message of love and peace, wants its followers to live in peace and harmony along with people of other faiths and religions, and help each other in making the world a better place. It is with this purpose that Islam emphasises on charity, which is Zakat.

The payment of Zakat is obligatory as it is one of the five pillars of Islam, according to a press release by Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB). Zakat is the major economic means for establishing social justice and leading the Muslim society to prosperity and security. Thus, Zakat is not a tax levied by a government, nor a voluntary contribution to a charity, the statement said. It is a command enjoined upon the Muslims by Allah the Almighty.

Assessed once a year, Zakat is obligated upon Muslims who possess the means. Zakat can be translated into obligatory charity, alms or tithe; however, it combines these definitions with a deeper and richer meaning of purity.

The act of giving Zakat purifies the heart from selfishness and greed for wealth, and develops sympathy for the poor and needy, according to the statement. For those receiving Zakat, it purifies the heart from envy and hatred of the rich and prosperous, and fosters a sense of goodwill between Muslim brothers and sisters.

In Islam, there are eight categories of people - known as Asnaf' - who are qualified to receive Zakat. However, according to Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), there are only six Asnaf that exist in Brunei Darussalam:

Fakir: Muslims with neither material possessions nor means of livelihood, or unable to provide half of the basic needs.

Miskin: Muslims with slightly more than half of the means of livelihood but insufficient to provide basic needs.

Amil: People appointed by the Brunei Government associated with the collection of Zakat.

Muallaf: One who converts to Islam.

Gharimin: Muslims in debt from borrowing money for basic and Halal expenditure.

Ibnu Sabil: Muslims stranded in journey and unable to reach their destination without financial assistance.

In collaboration with MUIB, Perbadanan TAIB is one of the financial institutions that offer Zakat services on savings to its account holders. The service was introduced in 2001 with the objective to facilitate Perbadanan TAIB's account holders to conveniently arrange for Zakat deduction on their savings with Perbadanan TAIB.

Customers can register for Auto Zakat Deduction, whereby the Zakat will be deducted based on the Islamic calendar. Customers can also make one-time Zakat payment through Perbadanan TAIB's Self-Service Terminals.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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