Shoura eyes new system to regulate Zakat distribution

Sources told local press that the new system for collecting Zakat will separate it from the Ministry of Finance and that based on Shoura Council recommendations, Zakat will become an independent entity.
A special committee at the Shoura Council will study the new regulation to collect Zakat and the possibility of adding extra allocations such as Zakat for vacant plots in the city. The source said the Shoura General Secretariat will vote on the subject in the presence of a panel of experts.
Ali bin Abbas Al-Hakami, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, said Muslims should look for the needy virtuous families to give Zakat Al Fitr to and distribute it themselves rather than designate someone to do it on their behalf, though that is also acceptable as long as they trust the middleman.
Many young men compete to reserve places on vital streets next to ATM machines and mosques in Madinah with sacks of rice in a frenzy to distribute rice and other grains before Eid Al-Fitr.
Young people who are affiliated with charities are spread throughout the streets with coupons for Zakat Al-Fitr and Eid clothing, as well as other aid to be distributed in mosques, markets and main streets. These young people have official licenses to sell, receive and distribute aid to the poor and needy.
Saad Al-Nassir said he purchases Zakat Al-Fitr from charities and gives it back to them to be distributed to the needy because they know who needs it the most.
Fahad Al-Qasim said the phenomenon of young men spread around the streets is uncivilized and should be watched closely, calling on authorities to monitor this situation and oblige those who sell Zakat products to obtain a sale’s license and an assigned point of sale to monitor the act of giving Zakat.
Saud Al-Mowalid said he has been distributing Zakat Al-Fitr for five years on Al-Hizam road until sunrise on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. He sells each “saa” (measure) for SR 10. His profits are very small.
Al-Mowalid criticized those who spread their wares in car parks and on the paths of the disabled in streets and commercial centers.
Director of the Ministry of Trade branch in Madinah, Khalid Qamqamji, said field teams have been formed to follow up on the price of foodstuffs. These teams will prevent tampering in Zakat Al-Fitr prices. He said the branch is ready to receive any complaints and punish those who raise prices.
Sheikh Ghazi Al-Mutairi, professor for the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz chair for the prevention of vice at the Islamic University, said God defined Zakat fields in his holy book.
Some people pretend to be good, and say they know poor and needy people, and they will deliver Zakat to them, but these people only serve their self interests.
The past few years saw the spread of unlicensed entities selling Zakat Al-Fitr products. These entities resell it to other people. Indeed, this year, many bogus companies are falsely advertising that they sell Zakat Al-Fitr.
Mohammad Ghalib said the sale of Zakat should be limited to charities and its approved offices, saying some people fall in the trap of buying Zakat from unlicensed entities, or from people pretending to belong to licensed charities through producing coupons for Zakat Al-Fitr.
Majdi Thabit said he met many people who lure others into believing them and sympathizing with them, stressing that people should send their Zakat to licensed charities that have distribution centers around the governorate.
Imad Taha said everyone should make sure they implement the mechanism of the Zakat Al-Fitr project even if using a licensed entity to make sure it goes to the right people.