RASC News Agency: The Taliban’s agricultural leadership in Helmand Province recently issued a directive via a letter to local authorities within the group, instructing them to collect Zakat from the livestock and commercial goods of the province’s inhabitants. According to information disclosed to the media on Wednesday, Feb 28, this letter was issued under the leadership’s orders and serves as a warning to individuals who refrain from paying their Zakat.
As per the letter from the Taliban’s agricultural and wealth management leadership, this action is executed under the leader’s command. The letter, bearing the signature of the Taliban’s deputy governor for Helmand, requests all departments to cooperate in implementing this directive. The officials responsible for collecting Zakat and tithe are also instructed in this letter to deposit the collected funds into a designated bank account. According to the letter, the Taliban’s Hajj and Endowments leadership in Helmand must request mosque imams to preach about Zakat collection.
Meanwhile, despite various pretexts, including agricultural tithes, the Taliban have claimed a share of the people’s agricultural produce since assuming control of the country. However, this marks the first time the group has instructed ordinary people in Helmand to pay Zakat from their livestock and commercial goods. It is noteworthy that following the Taliban’s takeover of the country, humanitarian aid from international relief organizations to the needy in Afghanistan has significantly decreased, exacerbating the economic and livelihood crisis of the people.
