Bait-ul-Mal: a step toward Islamic welfare state

The establishment of bayt al-mal (treasury of an Islamic state) by Nawaz Sharif is a big step towards the creation of an Islamic welfare state. Bayt al-mal was first established in the ninth century and functioned according to Qur'anic principles. The primary purpose of bayt al-mal is to assist the poor and more equitably distribute wealth through annual collections. Zakah (obligatory alms) is central to bayt al-mal. Bayt al-mal should become the basis of all state financial, economic, and welfare activities.