Journalist Fatih Altaylı criticized the Presidency of Religious Affairs' (Diyanet) call for fitra and zakat, stating, "At a time when poverty has increased so much in Turkey, while everyone is trying to carry out social projects and striving to contribute to the fight against poverty, one of Turkey's highest-budget institutions is aspiring to the aid that citizens will give for the sake of Allah."
"WHILE THE FAMILIES OF OUR MARTYRS LIVE IN MUD-BRICK SHACKS..."
Altaylı said, "Let's give them so you can buy a new model Mercedes. Let's give them so you can host Diyanet's high-level personnel at so-called meetings in five-star hotels. Let's give them so you can take your inner circle on trips to luxury hotels in Europe. Let's give them so you can build housing in Syria while the families of our martyrs live in mud-brick shacks. Let's give them so you can provide dowry assistance to Syrian youth while our own youth cannot afford to get married."
"ANYONE WHO GIVES EVEN THEIR SINS IS A FOOL"
Saying, "With all this talk of interfaith dialogue and such, I see you have thoroughly steered the Diyanet toward a church-like mentality," Altaylı added the following:
"Soon you will start selling candles in mosques to collect money. After all, inflation might have reached a level that threatens your own luxurious lifestyle. I understand you are afraid that it will only be enough for the government's luxury and there won't be anything left for you. But know this: fitra and zakat are not for you. Anyone who gives even their sins to you is a fool."
News Source: 12punto
