The country's wealth must be distributed in a balanced manner in a bid to create a fair and just society, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said today.

He said the payment of zakat (tithe), for example, would enable the underprivileged people to enjoy a better life.

"Hence, we will be able to prevent social gap from widening... where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

"Don't link Islam with poverty... Allah likes and will reward those who are successful and have a charitable attitude," he said at the ceremony to hand out tithe contributions to the needy in his parliamentary constituency of Pekan in Pahang, today.

Among the contributors are Bank Islam, Uda Holdings Bhd, Pilgrims Fund Board (Tabung Haji), Amanah Raya Bhd, Poverty Eradication Foundation and Affin Islamic Bank Bhd.

Najib said Islam also taught Muslims to pursue success, find sustenance, work hard, create opportunities, strive for excellence and acquire wealth.

"These are part of Islamic teachings. Whoever spends in the name of Allah, will receive the reward from Him," he said.

Among those present was Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor.

In a separate event, the prime minister also distributed 5,000 murtabak (stuffed pancakes) to the people in front of Pekan districtdouncil hall.

- Bernama