Our Zakat system needs reforms.

Byline: Siraj M. Shawa

In 1980 Zakat and Ushr ordinance was issued in General Zia's era with an objective to Islamize our economic system, and since then the government has been authorized to collect and distribute zakat while at the same time people can fulfill this religious obligation on their own in private capacity as well. The collected wealth is deposited in the State Bank's Central Zakat Fund from which it is released to Provincial Zakat Funds of each province in a specific ratio and from there District Zakat Committees get their own shares which deliver these to the end recipients via local teams on village and mohalla levels. It has been noted that most of its operations are kept under cover especially when it comes to the final beneficiaries in order to unfairly serve some people.

There are some serious flaws in this system which needs to be highlighted. Those who sit on the zakat committees have mostly political affiliations and occupy this position because of the same reason that is why one can hardly find any poverty-stricken family maintaining apolitical stance that receives assistance from zakat funds. The undeniable and disturbing fact is that many influential people and landlords (read politicians) have been enjoying free access to these funds in different areas in connivance with the local officials applying the principle of give-and-take. Many draw cash via foul means while some receive costly treatment under zakat funded programs, whereas those who deserve support do not know how to stand up for their rights. When it comes to needy people, those at the helm wouldn't release funds on simple demand without their palms being greased.

Though nominal, what number of people get marriage allowance on their wedding ceremonies which is to be granted from the zakat fund? Probably, a lot on paper. Having many poor people in our closed circle who merit support on their nuptials, neither I nor any of my acquaintance know of any one availing this facility. In fact, most of the readers would be hearing it for the first time that the lower class in Pakistan is entitled to marriage allowance. Most of the destitute even don't know if there is any government zakat system in place for them. As fragile trust exists between the state and its people, individuals prefer to give their zakat to NGOs and non-profit organizations.

Zakat is one of the most important pillars of the Islamic financial system. It is a progressive taxation policy...