Question
A Mufti claims that: "VAT collected by a trader from the customers is regarded as an Amaanat (trust) in the hands of the trader. It will be necessary to hand it over to the government. Misuse or withholding of these amounts in any way would be tantamount to theft."
Answer
This is a mind-boggling, ludicrous conclusion for which there is not the slightest Shar'i daleel. Whilst the VAT in the custody of the trader is an amaanat, it belongs to the customers. The trader is forced by the government to become its wakeel to give effect to its zulm and ghasab. The rightful owners are the customers.
The claim that withholding the usurped money from the government is 'theft' is indeed moronic. A Mufti should apply his mind before just blurting out any stupidity.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 22 No 07
- PDF page
- 2
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).