Many still prefer to pay Zakat at the counter

In a world full of inequalities, the solemn tradition of paying zakat, obligatory for every Muslim who can pay, now finds technology coming to the aid of the devout. In the last few years, many innovations in the field of information technology have enabled people to make payments online. In a highly connected world where optic fibre cables run underneath the seas and beneath the ground, stringing towns, cities and countries together, this mode of payment is more pragmatic than the conventional way of making a payment. There were times when people would queue up at the zakat counters to pay, waiting for their turn, but now one can make payments online from the comfort of ones home. This route is quicker and more convenient than the conventional one. All one needs to make online payments is to be connected to the Internet on a smartphone or a computer. Today, Muslims can pay zakat (tithe) online at www.zakat.com.my. Of course, those desirous of sticking to the conventional style are welcome to do so. COLLECTION CENTRES "We provide various channels for collecting zakat payment where there are counters and salary deduction. Those who are tech-savvy can pay zakat via Internet banking or the PPZ (Tithe Collection Centre) Portal. "We at the PPZ are making it easy for Muslims to pay their zakat," Deputy CEO of the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) PPZ, Abdul Hakim Amir Osman, told Bernama. However, statistics compiled by MAIWP PPZ for the first half of 2013 show that Muslims still prefer to pay zakat at the counter. Out of the 94,562 zakat contributors, 10,845 people did so at the counter. In fact, payment at the counter was the second most preferred medium of zakat payment after salary deduction, said Abdul Hakim Amir. Only 2,423 people paid zakat via the portal, the amount pegged at RM1.7 million. COUNTER SERVICES "There are some Muslims who still prefer to pay zakat at the counter. They want to feel the atmosphere of paying zakat as there is the 'lafaz akad' (the pronouncement made while making the zakat payment) and 'doa,' performed by a staff member at the counter. "Actually it is still alright without the pronouncement and doa, the important thing is the 'niat' (intention) but there are people who feel satisfied by paying zakat at the counter," he said. This 'satisfaction' obtained at the counter is among the reasons why many Muslims are willing to face hassles like braving through the traffic congestion in order to find the zakat payment counter. CHOW KIT The PPZ Daruzzakah branch at Lorong Haji Hussein 2 received the most number of zakat payments as compared to other MAIWP zakat collection branches. Despite being located in one of the busiest districts in Chow Kit and Kampung Baru, 2,473 contributors chose to pay zakat here. According to Abdul Hakim Amir, Muslims feel satisfied when making the zakat payment accompanied by the pronouncement and doa. ONE-STOP CENTRE Of course there are other advantages, too, in a person to person interaction during zakat payment, when compared to the online route. While making zakat payments at the counter, Muslims can enquire about matters pertaining to Islam. This is the reason why a zakat counter is perceived as a one-stop centre for Muslims. Furthermore zakat is not only in the form of zakat fitrah but also on others such as money, assets and properties, shares as well as jewelry. Abdul Hakim Amir said staff members at zakat counters will also help Muslims on the exact amount of varius zakat they need to pay. In the light of Ramadan, MAIWP PPZ has set up ten counters in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan, which are open seven days a week, from 8.15am to 4.30pm. The counters are open on public holidays too. On the last day of Ramadan, counters will close at 1:00 pm. Cash, cheques, and credit and debit cards are accepted as payment methods. PPZ has set up mobile counters for the publics convenience. At the end of the day, all you need to do is to listen to your inner voice, and recall the glorious traditions of the great religion. Whether you travel to the counter, and click a few keys online, what is important is to do your duty in the spirit of zakat. For more information, please visit www.zakat.com.my or dial 1-300-88-5757 to speak to a customer service representative.