Reply to Query [Reply to query on the payment of religious dues]

[al-`Uzma Haj Aqa Rouhullah Khomeini, may his sublime existence endure:

After extending my greetings to you, I wish to state that in reply to the query made earlier, you had stated that in case the followers wish to approach people other than your representatives and deputies- for example, the other mujtahidin «1» - to pay the religious dues (khums, «2» zakat), «3» they first have to obtain your special permission. If not, they cannot be freed of their obligation.

Please advise me whether or not this fatwa [religious edict] «4» is still in force.

Respectfully yours]

In His Most Exalted Name

They must give the dues to me or to one of the known representatives. To whomever they give the money, they must demand the receipt either from me or my brother in Qum. Otherwise, they must not pay.