Why are Malaysian Muslims urged to pay income tax in Friday sermon?

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Malaysian Muslims Urged to Pay Income Tax Due to Economic Impact and Community Responsibility

Federal Islamic authorities, through the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), have urged Muslims to fulfil their personal income tax obligations, citing the crucial role of tax revenue in national development and the economic well-being of the community. The call emphasizes that timely tax payments are a responsibility towards funding the expansion of the Islamic community (ummah) and that neglecting this duty contributes to the nation's economic difficulties. Unpaid taxes are considered a form of debt, and the collective failure to pay them leads to delays in planned development projects and negatively impacts national and social harmony.
Tax Payments as a Community Responsibility

Jakim's Friday sermon highlighted that remitting income tax payments is a fundamental responsibility for all Muslims, contributing directly to the funding and growth of the ummah. This perspective frames tax payment not merely as a civic duty but as a religious obligation tied to the collective welfare and progress of the Islamic community. The department stressed that income tax represents a significant source of revenue for the federal government, Putrajaya, essential for public services and development initiatives.
Economic Consequences of Tax Avoidance

The sermon directly linked tax avoidance to the nation's economic woes, stating that citizens facing difficulties and the country's dwindling economic growth are consequences of individuals neglecting their financial debts, including taxes. Jakim pointed out that the government incurs substantial losses due to procrastination and tax evasion, which in turn leads to the delay of vital development projects. This underscores the tangible impact of non-compliance on the nation's economic trajectory and the delivery of public amenities.
Tax Obligations and Zakat Rebates

Furthermore, Jakim reminded Muslims of their religious duty to pay zakat, the Islamic tithe, and noted that an income tax rebate equivalent to zakat payments is available. This highlights a mechanism designed to acknowledge and integrate religious financial obligations with civic tax responsibilities, potentially incentivizing compliance for those fulfilling both duties. The deadline for salaried workers to file their income tax submissions for the previous year is April 30, with the Inland Revenue Board targeting RM142.65 billion in tax collection for 2015.

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Why are Malaysian Muslims urged to pay income tax in Friday sermon?

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