Tamlīk-proper to Quasi-tamlīk: Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) of Zakat Money, Empowering the Poor and Contemporary Modes of Distributing Zakat Money with Special Reference to British Muslim Charities

Abstract The principle aim of this paper is to look at the concept of tamlīk from two dimensions: tamlīk by the recipient of zakat and tamlīk by the plenipotentiary or the organisation deputised to distribute the zakat-money on behalf of the British zakat-payer. The body deputised to distribute zakat has a religio-ethical duty of distributing the zakat-money it has taken possession of, in order to meet the allocative function outlined in the Qur’an. This paper questions whether British Muslim charities are currently being effective agents in achieving poverty reduction. It questions whether the British Muslim charities’ modus operandi of distributing of zakat-money does empower the poor. This paper argues that cash distribution should be considered a primary method of zakat distribution unless there are exceptional circumstances to do otherwise. It further argues that zakat in cash is far more effective in addressing poverty and empowering the poor than the status quo.