Selangor: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has urged Muslims to understand the importance of paying zakat through authorised channels and ensuring its transparent distribution to eligible asnaf recipients.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sultan emphasized the significance of each state having its own collection and distribution system to ensure the welfare of asnaf is properly managed. He noted that external parties should not cross state boundaries to collect zakat without permission from the relevant state authorities.

In a Facebook post by the Selangor Royal Office, Sultan Sharafuddin called on all Selangor residents to reflect on the essence of the Friday sermon titled 'Pay Zakat to Authorised Amil'. His Royal Highness highlighted that zakat is an act of worship involving wealth and plays a significant role in assisting asnaf and strengthening the economic well-being of the Muslim community.

In Selangor, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), with the consent of the Sultan, has appointed the Lembaga Zakat Selangor (Zakat Selangor) to manage all matters related to zakat collection and distribution. The Sultan reiterated that zakat collected within a state must be distributed to asnaf in that same state, stressing the responsibility of Muslims to protect the rights of asnaf from being misappropriated.

The statement concluded by reminding Muslims that not only zakat, but any form of public fund collection involving the interests of Muslims in Selangor must obtain approval from the relevant authorities.