SHAH ALAM, Dec 20 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has urged Muslims in the state to fulfil their zakat obligations, describing it as a source of blessings and an essential lifeline for thousands of poor families.
His Royal Highness pointed out that zakat compliance in Selangor remained low despite its importance, with only about 380,000 Muslims paying their tithes last year, accounting for just 20 percent of those eligible.
“This reality shows that many Muslims have yet to fulfil the third pillar of Islam, whether due to negligence, lack of understanding, or disregard for religious fatwa,” the Sultan said, as posted on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page last night.
“Zakat is crucial in addressing the pressing needs of the asnaf community, as more than 70,000 poor and needy families in Selangor depend on tithe assistance for their daily survival.”
Sultan Sharafuddin also reiterated his earlier decree that zakat must be paid within Selangor and should not be channelled elsewhere without valid justification, to ensure funds are properly managed and reach eligible recipients.
His Royal Highness also called on the public to reflect on yesterday’s Friday sermon titled “Zakat: The Key to Blessings”, reminding Muslims that paying tithe purifies wealth and brings divine blessings, rather than diminishing one’s income.
“Those who pay zakat with faith and obedience will find their sustenance sufficient and their affairs eased.”
The state ruler rejected notions that zakat is merely a financial burden or comparable to taxes, emphasising that it is an act of worship that opens the door to blessings.
