KUCHING: A new proposal suggests that leftover zakat (a form of almsgiving in Islam) could be shared with the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) in Sarawak.
The Minister of Religious Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said that this idea aligns with Sarawak’s celebration of diverse religions and ethnicities, a sentiment frequently highlighted by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He elaborated, “In the future, any surplus zakat might be given to UNIFOR, representing non-Muslims in Sarawak. Sharing zakat with non-Muslims, as a gesture of outreach, is in line with our beliefs.”
Dr. Mohd Na’im said this during the Mobility Vehicle Donation event at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre yesterday (Sep 16).
He said that such actions would highlight Islam’s teachings to extend kindness even towards non-Muslims.
On a related note, since its inception in 2016, the TH Mobility Programme has aided over 300,000 individuals across mosques, suraus (prayer halls), tahfiz centres, and specific charity houses nationwide.
Initially, the programme provided multi-purpose vans to mosques and suraus for funeral services and transport. By 2021, the initiative broadened its reach to include tahfiz centres and chosen charitable groups in both Sabah and Sarawak.
