"ملف ٨/ ١١ شؤون دولة مسقط: تقييم الزكاة." [و‎‎٢] (١٤/٣)

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No.K/ V of 1932. -7 2 ^
Political Agency & H.B.M’s Consulate.Muscat*
Recess Office. Carlton Hotel*
Karachi, 13th August 1932*
The Hon’ble the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf,
Bushire*
Subject:- Zakat assessment 1932.
Memorandum*
While the year 1932 has been marked by falling
revenues in all directions it is satisfactory to be able
to report that in consequence of the new assessment of
Zakat revenue in a more up to date manner a substantial
increase in receipts is promised under this heading.
2. The Batinah and Shimaliyeh coasts comprise
the largest stretch of continuous date cultivation in
the world. The plantations extend in almost unbroken
regularity for close on 200 miles. Numerous varieties of
dates and other trees are found by far the most popular
of which is the Batni date, which, though inferior in
quality, has the advantage of being able to ripen in
spite of the excessive humidity of the sea coast. Next
to the Batni date comes the •Mebsili*, which when boiled
and dried is known as the ’Bisr* and is largely exported
to India for cunsumption at marriage feasts and other
entertainments.
3. The Batinah coast is by ancient custom,
divided into 9 •Walayats* or districts. These,
commencing from the town of Muscat itself are Sib, Birkah,
Masnaah, Suwaiq, Khaboorah, Saham, Sohar, Liwa and
Shimaliyeh.
Prewious to this year four of these 9
districts have been paying a more or less adequate Zakat.
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