Baitulmal Department

The Islamic Treasury

Baitulmal, which may be described in English as the Islamic treasury, refers to a fund established for the collection and distribution of wealth for the welfare of society according to Islamic principles. In an Islamic state, Baitulmal is administered by the government under official supervision. However, in regions where an Islamic system of governance does not exist, the management of Baitulmal is carried out through an Emarat under the leadership of an Ameer. This arrangement is in accordance with the guidance of Shariah.

In another verse, Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to collect charity from the wealth of the believers in order to purify them and their wealth. Following these divine instructions, the system of Baitulmal was established during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Zakat, Ushr, and Fitrah were collected from the wealthy and deposited in the Baitulmal, from which assistance was provided to the poor and needy. This system continued during the era of the Khulafa e Rashideen.

Baitulmal in the Indian Context

India is a secular country where there is no official government system for managing Baitulmal. Therefore, according to Islamic guidance, Muslims collectively appoint an Ameer, and under his supervision the Baitulmal is organized and administered.

Opposition and Clarification

However, this claim is historically and jurisprudentially incorrect. Classical books of Islamic jurisprudence clearly show that the Baitulmal system continued during the era of Hazrat Uthman (RA). The only administrative adjustment made during his period was distinguishing between external wealth and internal wealth for the collection of Zakat.

According to this arrangement, the state collected Zakat from visible commercial wealth, while the owners themselves distributed the Zakat of personal assets. This explanation has been documented by Allama Abu Bakr Masud ibn Ahmad al-Kasani in the well-known book Bada'i al-Sana'i.

Furthermore, Islamic inheritance laws mention that if a deceased person leaves no heirs, the property ultimately goes to the Baitulmal, which clearly demonstrates that the institution of Baitulmal remains part of Islamic law.

Despite the opposition and even the issuing of fatwas against the initiative, the system continued to grow with the support of the Muslim community. By the grace of Allah, the people of North East India generously contributed to strengthen the Baitulmal relief fund.

Formation of the Baitulmal Committee

In order to formulate the rules and regulations for the management of the Baitulmal relief fund, a committee was formed consisting of the following members:

Based on the regulations prepared by this committee, the collection and distribution of Baitulmal funds began in an organized manner.

Revision of Regulations

A subcommittee was formed to revise and expand the rules of Baitulmal collection and distribution. The members of this subcommittee were:

Through the rules prepared by this subcommittee, the Baitulmal department gradually developed into a more organized and effective institution.

Baitulmal Subcommittee

For the proper management of the department, another Baitulmal Subcommittee was formed consisting of the following members:

After the passing of Maulana Faizul Jalal, it was decided that the person holding the position of Nayeeb e Ameer e Shariat would automatically serve as the chairman of the subcommittee. Following the passing of Maulana Nayeem Uddin, Maulana Farid Uddin Ahmed Choudhury was appointed as a member in his place.

The activities of the Baitulmal department are currently carried out under the supervision of this subcommittee.

Objectives of the Baitulmal Fund

The primary objectives of the Baitulmal fund include:

• 01Eliminating begging within the Muslim community
• 02Providing assistance to the poor and needy
• 03Supporting talented but financially disadvantaged students
• 04Helping orphans and widowed women
• 05Strengthening economically weak members of the Muslim community

Welfare Activities

Since its establishment, the Baitulmal relief fund has provided assistance to many poor and needy individuals. Support has been given for house construction materials such as tin sheets, as well as for income-generating tools such as carts, rickshaws, and other equipment. Financial assistance has also been provided to deserving and talented students.

The fund is strengthened through Zakat, Sadaqah Wajibah, voluntary charity, and donations. By the grace of Allah, public interest and support for the Baitulmal fund continue to grow steadily.

Many educated individuals and government officials have also appreciated the well-organized system and regulations of this fund.