TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has issued an apology for his statement regarding the suggestion to abandon zakat or alms. Nasaruddin admits that the remark has caused misunderstandings among the public.
He asserts that zakat remains an individual obligation, or fardhu 'ain, and an unchanging pillar of Islam. "I apologize for my statement that has caused misunderstandings. It is necessary for me to emphasize that zakat is fardhu 'ain and an obligation in Islam that we must fulfill," said Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, as quoted from a written statement on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
The Minister explained that the statement he made at the 99 Sharia Economy Seminar was actually intended to encourage a reorientation of community fund management. He urged that the strengthening of the Sharia economy should not be limited to the zakat approach alone, but should also optimize other Islamic philanthropy instruments such as waqf, infaq, and sadaqah.
According to Nasaruddin, many countries have shown progress through professional and integrated wakaf management. He cited practices in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, where the ministries handling waqf were able to transform it into a driving force for the social and economic development of the community.
"This is the model that we want to learn and adapt to accelerate the progress of the community in Indonesia, without reducing the clear obligation of zakat in Islamic teachings," he said.
The Minister hopes this clarification corrects circulating information and strengthens public understanding of the importance of optimizing all religious social fund instruments. He also encourages the public to continue fulfilling zakat while supporting the development of wakaf and Islamic philanthropy in a more productive and sustainable manner.
Read: Ministry Confirms Zakat Funds Will Not Be Used for Free Meal Program
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