Malaysians SMS Zakat Al-Fitr

"The system makes it convenient for Muslims to pay the tithes (zakat)," said Jusoh

"The system makes it convenient for Muslims to pay the tithes (zakat)," said Idris Jusoh of the Terengganu Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council.

Under this system, the payer could submit the mandatory alms to the state Islamic affairs authorities with just an SMS.

The SMS service will be available for subscribers to mobile operators Maxis and TimeCel.

Subscribes are required to type their information and send an SMS to the hotline 39090.

Idris said that the SMS system has been developed in cooperation between the Terengganu state government and wireless communications provider Airocom Technology Bhd.

Zakat al-Fitr, the third pillar of Islam, is obligatory upon every (capable) Muslim.

Though it is preferable that zakat is given to the poor in the shape of wheat, rice and grains, some jurists also allow paying zakat in cash to the poor and needy.

The zakat should be given during Ramadan any time but before the`Eid prayer.

Terengganu has set three rates of zakat al-Fitr this year– RM5.50, RM5 and RM4.50 — according to payment on oneself or together with his dependents.

Safe

Idris said the new system is completely safe for users.

He explained that a receipt number would appear on the mobile phone screen once the message is received.

He added that there were several codes that zakat payers should adhere to, so that the payments would be automatically deducted and channeled to the right network.

Those using the system have to only pay the normal SMS charge without any additional fees.

Predominantly-Muslim Malaysia offers the image of an ideal Muslim country.

It is heading towards the status of a developed nation with skyscrapers, beautiful cities and a fast track economy.

Prime Minister Abdullah launched last year an ambitious development plan for Malaysia to become the first developed Muslim nation by 2020.