Is taxation system a substitute for zakah?
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Why should a Muslim pay zakah when he already pays taxes? Modern systems of taxation do meet many of the objectives imbedded in zakah itself, such as serving the public good and providing social security systems and services to the poor. Given that many western democracies distribute a portion of tax money to religious organizations (including Muslim ones), what is the supplemental role of zakah in a state with an established taxation system?
