REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Deputy Chairman of Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI), Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi said Minister of Religious Affairs had not invite MUI and also National Alms Agency (Baznas) yet to discuss about the plan of 2.5 percent civil servants salary deduction for alms. Therefore, he could not give opinions related to the issue.

Zainut said the idea that came from Minister of Religious Affairs is good. However, the government should first socialize it to al related parties, such as Islamic mass organizations, before announcing it to the public. Therefore, it will not cause polemic and commotion in society.

"We think alms issue not only to collect money, but also about the muzzaki (zakat payers), in this context civil servants who have obligation to pay alms, nishab (the minimum wealth that will make its owner having an obligation to pay the compulsory alms) and how much from their salary which imposed on alms obligation," Zainut said on Thursday (Feb 8).

Furthermore, Zainut said it must be known whether the salary deductions of civil servants is mandatory or voluntary. Also, how about tasharruf (distribution) of the alms.

He admitted alms is one of Islam pillars. Alms also obliged for every Muslim who qualified with the terms and conditions, as rule in the religion.

Zainut said, alms has purpose to help fellow Muslims. Therefore, Islamic shari'a gives big attention and also high position in the alms worship. According to him, MUI agreed the alms' potential shoul be more optimized and utilized for Muslims.

"But we expect in the implementation, it must be through a good plan, preparation, also with alms institution that must be more professional, capable, and accountable," Zainut added.

Moreover, Zainut explained Minister of Religious Affiars must involve the parties who have interests and concern for the alms management. MUI is concerned to remind about this because the amount of money that will be managed is big enough.

"The money is from Muslims who must be distributed safely and in accordance with the provisions of Islamic law and the provisions of legislation," Zainut said.

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