Abdullah

I think the packaging affects us more than we think guys!! That's why the manufacturers spend so much money on it.

I've been to KL numerous time with work. I highly recommend cigar malaysia, they have 2 or 3 shops and a website. Massive selection and the best prices i've seen. Hopefully the change of government will bring the prices down somehow!

lol!

Thanks a lot for your post sir! Eid mubarak to you too. There was a slight error on your post which I feel obliged to point out because you may have been unknowingly paying zakat incorrectly! There are two zakats, and Muslims often get confused about this. First, there is the main zakat, which as you say is a tax on personal wealth and trade goods. This is only paid if it reaches the nisab (minimum amount) of 20 dinars or 200 dirhams, and it has been in your possession for one whole lunar year. This can be due at any time; as soon as the person has had it for one year then it is immediately due. We do not wait for ramadan or any other event- when its due its due!! It should, according to tradition, be taken by the Amir/Sultan or his collectors and it should be paid in 'ayn (commodity) not dayn (paper money/debt). The Amir/Sultan should then dispense the zakat to the poor and needy (the categories mentioned in the Qur'an) within 48 hours. Then there is a second zakat, "zakat al-fitr". This is completely separate to the zakat mentioned above. This is obligatory for every Muslim, not just those who have the means. It is obligatory for poor Muslims as well as rich Muslims, and it is to be paid for every person under the man's care (e.g. a man with a wife and 3 kids pays on behalf of 5 people). It should be paid in the local staple food before the 'eid prayer (as close to the 'eid prayer as possible is recommended). Hope that clarifies it!