Different Tax and Zakat (The Mall)
Assalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.
Dear Ustadz,
What is the difference between tax and zakat (the mall)? In Islamic countries, is there a distinction between tax and zakat (the mall)? Because I’ve read posts of Mushtaq Ahmad: zakat (the mall) is the main source of the state treasury as well as a cornerstone of economic life that proclaimed in Qur’an. Zakat will prevent the accumulation of wealth on one person , and at the same time encouraging people to invest and promote the distribution. Zakat is also a comprehensive institution for the distribution of wealth, because it involves property of every Muslim as a practical, while his property had reached or passed nishab. The accumulation of wealth in the hands of a person or a group of rich people only, is expressly prohibited Allah as his word :
“And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns – it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler – so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” (Surat al-Hashr, 59:7)
Please explain it more cleary Ustadz, Jazakumullah khoiron katsiro.
Wassalamu’alaikum wr. wb.
Answer
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
We know there are many similarities between the zakat and tax. But it is undeniable that there is a difference between the two in essential. So they can not be equated with it.
Equation between Zakat with Tax
- The mandatory and binding on the population of a country property, if neglect will be sanction.
- Zakat and taxes must be deposited on official institutions in order to achieve both efficiency and allocation distribution withdrawal.
- In the reign of Islam, zakat and and taxes administered by the state.
- There is no provision to obtain certain material rewards in the world.
- From the side there are similarities between the two objectives, to resolve the problems of the economy and alleviate poverty in the community there.
The Different Between Zakat and Tax
However, in common with all the above, it does not mean taxes can can be equated with alms (zakat). Because between two of them there are difference in fundamental and essential.
We placed a table that reveals how different the zakat and tax. Please take a look.
| Difference | Alms (Zakat) | Tax |
| Meaning of Name | clean, grow and thrive | Debt, taxes, tribute |
| Basic Law | Al-Qur `an and Sunnah | The law of a country |
| Nishab and Rates | Ordained by God and is absolute | Determined by the state and the relative zakat has a fixed size while tax varies according to the balance of the state budget |
| Nature | Obligations are fixed and constant | Obligations in accordance with the requirements and can be eliminated |
| Subject | Muslim | All citizens |
| Object Allocation | Fixed 8 Group | To fund the construction and regular budget |
| Worn Treasure | Productive assets | All Assets |
| Terms Ijab Kabul | Required | Not Required |
| Rewards | Reward of God and the promise of blessing treasure | The availability of public goods and services |
| Sanctions | From Allah and the Islamic People | State |
| Motivation Payments | Faith and devotion to God Obedience and fear in the country and the sanctions | There is a tax payment made possible the manipulation of large amounts of property tax payers and this does not happen to charity |
| Calculation | Entrusted to muzakis and can also help by ‘amil zakat | Always use the services of a tax accountant |
Source : http://www.rumahfiqih.com/x.php?id=1160986641&=beda-pajak-dengan-zakat.htm
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