News Report
Political Address on the Risks of Customs and Taxes in Port Sudan’s Grand Market
(Translated)

Hizb ut Tahrir / Wilayah Sudan held a political address west of Port Sudan’s Grand Market on Monday, 30 Jumada al-Awwal 1446 AH, corresponding to December 2, 2024. The event was titled: “Taxes and Customs: Destruction in This World and Loss in the Hereafter.”

The speaker, Ustaadh Yaqoub Ibrahim, a member of Hizb utTahrir, discussed the Islamic ruling on the prohibition of taxes and customs, emphasizing the grave sin incurred by those who impose or collect them. He highlighted their detrimental effects on living standards and rising prices. He cited the Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) saying: «لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ صَاحِبُ مَكْسٍ»“Sahib maks, meaning one who tithes people, will not enter paradise.” and the hadith about the Ghamidi woman who committed adultery, repented, and was punished. The Prophet (saw) remarked: «لَقَدْ تَابَتْ تَوْبَةً لَوْ تَابَهَا صَاحِبُ مَكْسٍ لَغُفِرَ لَهُ» “she has reported to such an extent that if one who wrongfully takes extra tax were to repent to a like extent, he would be forgiven.” The term Sahib Almax (tax collector) refers to those who impose customs duties and levies.

Ust. Yaqoub explained that Islam defines the types of ownership and permits the state to draw from public wealth to address economic issues and achieve prosperity without resorting to taking from its citizens' pockets, as the only obligatory financial obligation is zakat.

He also highlighted the greatness of the Islamic economic system and its capacity to resolve human challenges if implemented today through the Khilafah Rashidah(rightly guided Caliphate) state on the method of the Prophethood). He pointed to Sudan’s immense wealth, emphasizing that only wise leadership is needed to address the problems of thenation and its people.

During the interactive session, the audience engaged positively, providing encouraging feedback and urging more such addresses to raise the nation’s awareness of its rights and responsibilities. They also called on Ust. Yaqoub to direct this message to state officials, urging them to implement this just system.