Zakat Has the Role as Pillar for Strengthening Islam, Says Minister

Jakarta, 16 Jumadil Akhir 1438/15 March 2017 (MINA) –  Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has said that Zakat has a role as a pillar for strengthening the religion as stated in the Holy Book Al-Quranul Karim.

In accordance with the commands of Allah in Surah At-Tauba verse 60 which states Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing Captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

“Zakat in one of the pillars supporting the role of religion in maintaining human dignity,” Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, citing  his speech in Jakarta, Wednesday (15/3) morning.

He added, in the teachings of Islam, zakat is a way to close the gap of social and economic distance also the psychological distance between the rich and the poor.

“The balance and sense of justice among the public would be disturbed if it were everyone simply clever in demanding their human rights, but ignores the obligation in the relationship between human beings,” he said.

The World Zakat Forum 2017 conference is being held by National Alms Agency (Baznas) and the World Zakat Forum for two days since Wednesday (15/3) until Thursday (16/3) and was attended by participants from 16 countries.

Baznas Chairman Bambang Sudibyo told the conference there will be exchange of experiences and views on zakat among countries, making them share with each other in order to solve problems in improving the management of zakat.

“We hope that this conference will be running smoothly and is finally able to agree on a resolution and form the new management of the World Zakat Forum for 2017-2020 period, ” he said.  (L/R04RS5/)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)