Zakat Versus Taxes
Jazakallah for answering my question . One more question: If the Jewellery we get on our weddings is kept in safe deposit and is only used infrequently, would that be included as wealth for Zakat or is it exempt as ornaments of personal use? Secondly, if we deduct the zakat from the taxes that we have paid , those taxes are not necessarily used for the betterment of Muslims first . Rather they are used for all sorts of govt projects and running of govt affairs and living in US, we are not a Muslim state . So would this use of our tax money still be accepted as zakat being paid to the right people ?
So once I have calculated my zakat and , for example , it comes out to be $2,000 and I owe $ $4000 in taxes to the government and I pay that amount, I can count this as zakat paid . Now it’s up to the govt to decide how to use that money ? I don’t have any direct control over where it is spent ? Am I correct in my thinking . I appreciate you prompt feedback . Things are becoming so clear . I have already listened to the lectures that you referenced to and needed a little bit of clarity . Thank you
Thank you once again. To be honest. I am a huge fan of Ghamidi Saheb. His views make sense but in matters of obligatory duties , one’s heart and mind is constantly in turmoil due to conflicting views. I believe that as long as the essence / intent of the duty is fulfilled, it is ok and Allah knows best. I hope and pray that Allah guides me to the right path . Ameen