Zakat Ordinance [4]

Question 1

Describe the Zakat Ordinance.

Answer 1

• In 1980, Zia-ul-Haq imposed a 2.5% wealth tax on savings over a certain amount.
• Money raised was given to Zakat committees in villages and towns for the poor.
• Some Muslim groups protested against this since their view of Islamic law was that giving should be voluntary.
• In 1984, these groups held demonstrations in Islamabad forcing Zia-ul-Haq to accept their objections and exempt them from paying the tax.