Kharraj is not a compulsory tax for non-Muslims and no one would be punished if they refuse to pay.

Former Islamic law lecturer of International Islamic University, Dr. Badrul Amin, told malaysiakini that kharraj and zakat are both voluntary contributions.

Yesterday, it was reported that the PAS-led Terengganu government would consider imposing an additional tax known as kharraj on non-Muslims on their economic activities, and make zakat on such activities compulsory for Muslims.

" Zakat and kharraj can be categorised as tax, but neither are compulsory. While kharraj is fair and would not unduly burden the non-Muslims, no action will however be taken if they refuse to pay," he explained.

"Even though some Muslims have not paid zakat , no penalties have been accorded. Nonetheless, they will be regarded of having sinned ( berdosa ),"

A state government, he added, can propose such changes but it cannot legislate and enforce it.

Kharraj and zakat , Badrul said, help to transfer the wealth of the rich to the poor, thus narrowing the gap between them, and they provide for social justice under Islam.

" Kharraj is a non-issue and has been used by Barisan Nasional to frighten non-Muslims," he said, adding that some countries in West Asia do not force non-Muslims to pay the tax.

Federation of Malaysian Consumer Association President Prof. Mohd Hamdan said the Terengganu state government under PAS and the non-Muslim community should have a dialogue on kharraj to avoid any misunderstanding on the matter.

"Leaders and organisations of the non-Muslim society should be consulted before these changes are adopted by the state government."

He added that it would be a mistake if PAS did not take time to explain about kharraj to non-Muslims.

Parti Rakyat Malaysia President Dr. Syed Husin Ali said that PAS should think about the implication of the tax on non-Muslims and not try to implement it in a hurry.

"The Terengganu state government should be cautious with their actions as they are still cooperating with Barisan Alternatif under the Common Manifesto," he said.

Syed Husin was also concerned that these new taxes might burden the people. "But if the taxes replace the land tax and other taxes, and people have to pay comparatively less tax, then it is up to the people."

BA, he added, will be meeting to discuss the issue in the next few days but the main focus of the get together was on the component parties' cooperation after election.