MUIB: Assistance will only be given to applicants who meet requirements.
WITH regards to the recent titah of His Majesty and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with regards to the equality in distributing the Zakat (tithes), hundreds of people yesterday, congregated at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to seek the necessary application forms since morning. The masses grew to uncontrollable numbers in the afternoon and had to be moved to the spacious Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah. The Royal Brunei Police Force assisted in monitoring and ensuring the safety of the growing number of people throughout the day.
However, there was concern over the credibility of many applicants who were there to collect their forms. Most observed were middle-aged or from the working class. There were doubts if many of those in the group people deserved to receive such help. Currently the Zakat fund stands at about $236 million that is intended for the needy.
When questioned by The Brunei Times, some admitted that they burdened by debts accumulated because of self-indulgence. Excessive credit card bills, automobile loans and personal loans were amongst the reason why some, as young as 23, stood in line for hours to seek the tithe application forms in the hope that they could somehow reduce their debts.
A young uniformed personnel, 27 and unmarried, claimed that his salary was insufficient to cover his bills. When asked about the debts he had incurred, he singled out credit cards debts as his main problem. When asked to elaborate, he admitted that automobile loans, personal loans and loans to buy gadgets has resulted in him becoming heavily indebted to various financial institutions. The youth, who wished to remain anonymous declared himself to be fit for the Asnaf Al-Gharimin or the debt-ridden category which is a part of the six categories deemed fit for receiving the tithe.
Another youth interviewed by The Brunei Times works for a security firm and stated similar reasons of applying for the tithe. When asked his reasons for applying for the Zakat, he simply said "Before purchasing my car, I thought I could afford the monthly payments but now I realise how foolish my decision was."
Does this mean that anyone who has problems over paying for their self-indulgence could fall into the debt-ridden category and be deemed fit to receive the tithe?
No, according to the Acting Secretary of the Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), Hj Abd Wahab Hj Sapar. He told the The Brunei Times, that the Zakat or tithe is only for those who are deemed fit. "If you own a credit card, and a high monthly salary, you will not be categorised as Fakir Miskin or impoverished and therefore not applicable for the tithe. Only those who really fall under the category of improvished will receive the tithe. Those who do not meet the criteria or who are just hoping that the Zakat will be used to pay debts caused by (self indulgence), please do not apply as it might hinder the application of those deserving cases" he said. He further added, "Although there is a rush for the forms, every application will be reviewed as carefully, wisely and in a just manner by the council. This is done to ensure that only those who really do deserve the Zakat will receive it.
His answer is relief would be provided to those who really need such aid. Ahab Kamal and his wife Siti Hawa Hj Md Yussof, a father of eight told The Brunei Times, that from his personal observation, most who participated in the rush for application forms looked very young and stylish. Working as bus driver and selling vegetables as a side income only earns him $450 monthly to support his family. "I wish to obtain some financial assistance to support my family and the education of my children. This is what drove me here. With the loving care of our monarch, I know that my children can have a better future ," he said.
"This is my first time applying due to my old age. If I was a little younger, I would have not come. It's embarrassing to see young people who are physically able and can work applying," he added.
His Majesty in his titah calling for effective Zakat distribution, three days ago, raised questions on whether a study on debt ridden individuals and their stance, in the country's tithe distribution, has been done effectively. He also asked for further clarification on information regarding the necessary conditions for those who seek help under the Asnaf Al-Gharimin or Debt Ridden Category.
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