| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud reminded all appointed Amils (tithe collectors) that they are fully entrusted with the safety of the Zakat (tithe) collections. This year, a total of 309 Amils have been appointed to 140 areas around the nation.
Although the task that they shoulder may seem light as they are only duty-bound to receive Zakat from the public, their responsibilities are much bigger and their tasks have significance with noble aims, added the deputy minister.
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti who is also Vice-President of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), underscored the matter during the presentation of letters of
appointment to Amils that took place yesterday at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.
He also reminded the appointed Amils that they are bound with trust (Amanah) and are to safeguard the Zakat collections so that it will not be lost, not to be used for personal purposes and not to be lent to anyone.
The deputy minister also cautioned the Amils not to be careless in keeping the Zakat collection, “Amils also need to perform their duty with full of Taqwa, responsibilities, amanah and discipline, seeking the blessings of Allah the Almighty,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud presenting to Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaili bin Haji Metali Al-Hafiz, his letter of appointment as Amil – ROKIAH MAHMUD
In managing the Zakat collection, Amils need to practise efficiency and commitment by handing over the Zakat collection according to schedules or instructions that have been given by the MUIB.
“Failure to do so will pose negative risks such as the probability of losing the money, being stolen or not being Amanah,” he added.
This is because, he added, it is vital that all the collected Zakat money needs to be strictly calculated so that Asnaf (those who have rights receiving the Zakat) will get their portion.
Furthermore, appointed Amils also need to be more proactive and have broader minds while at the same time they need to give full commitment upon receiving and collecting the Zakat money.
The deputy minister also shared that currently MUIB has implemented several efforts in distributing the Zakat collection as fast as possible, while at the same time streamlining methods of Zakat distribution to the right Asnaf.
Since the instalment of the Zakat and Fitrah Regulations 1969, the Amils come from different backgrounds and positions in the community that include mosque officers, imams, bilals, penghulus, village heads, religious teachers, uniformed personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Fire and Rescue Department
and other relevant government personnel.
The Zakat collection areas are designated at mosques, suraus, Islamic places of worship, homes of Amil representatives (penghulus and
village heads), Zakat collection and distribution office and its branches at all districts.
The financial institutions of Islam appointed as Amil representatives for Zakat Harta are Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD).
Earlier, Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Akop, Acting Secretary of MUIB in his capacity as the Co-Chairman for the organising committee, delivered his welcoming speech.
In 2014, the Zakat Fitrah collection amounted to $927,297.87 with a total of 329,475 people paying their Zakat. While in 2015, the figures increased
by 0.47 per cent to $931,638.97 with 330,976 individuals paying their
Zakat.
As for the Zakat Harta collection, in 2014, $16,923,245.71 was collected with a total of 4,489 people giving Zakat. In 2015 there was a decrease of 0.55 per cent where $16,830,149.77 was collected, though the number of people increased to 5,014 or by 10.5 per cent.
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