Anba Pola, Bishop of Tanta and member of the Constituent Assembly which is currently writing a new constitution for Egypt, has submitted an official objection against the proposition
Anba Pola, Bishop of Tanta and member of the Constituent Assembly which is currently writing a new constitution for Egypt, has submitted an official objection against the proposition of a new constitutional article that makes Islamic zakat obligatory. Zakat, literally alms, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and the constitutional article proposes the establishment of a zakat foundation for the benefit of the poor and needy.
The draft article was approved by the majority of the members of the Committee for the Basic Elements of the Constitution in their meeting last Thursday. Anba Pola told Watani that his verbal objections went unheeded.
“I understand that the constitution should be consensual,” he said, “I remarked that zakat is an exclusively Islamic duty, and the constitution should concern all Egyptians—Muslims and non-Muslims.
“If we assume the article involving zakat would be implemented in case of Muslims alone, it is not proper to impose a duty on Muslims and another on non-Muslims. And would zakat be used to serve all Egyptians equally? Or it will concern only poor Muslims?” Anba Pola wondered.
His objection, however, was overruled by the members.
Anba Pola said that he was sure that several members who were absent in this meeting, among them Amr Moussa and Ayman Nour, would comprehend his objection and support it when the matter is again discussed.
Watani International
25 July 2012