Oman

Forum on Zakat promotes social responsibility, economic impact

The ministry has established a working group to review Zakat regulation and governance guide, issuing guidelines for Zakat committee programmes

 
MANAH: The annual mandatory charity initiative, which requires contributions from individuals' wealth and savings, serves a broader purpose of strengthening social support and welfare within the community, as highlighted by the Gulf Cooperation Council's Zakat Forum.

The inaugural annual meeting of the Zakat committees for 2023 was held under the auspices of Abdullah bin Salem al Salmi, Executive President of the Capital Market Authority, at the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah on Sunday.

The 'Modern Methods in Managing and Distributing Zakat Resources' Forum, organised by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) in alignment with Oman's Vision 2040, aims at fostering social responsibility.

The event was graced by the presence of Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, Fahd bin Abdullah al Suwailem, representative of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and representatives from all GCC countries.

During the forum, it was emphasised that while Zakat is a religious obligation with a well-structured system, it carries not only spiritual significance but also social and economic implications. It profoundly affects the giver, the receiver, and the community that upholds it.



Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, said, 'The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs formed Zakat Committees to play its role in raising awareness of this great pillar of Zakat and achieving the values of solidarity, cooperation and social welfare through collecting and distributing it, in addition to what it does in terms of distributing alms, expiations and various aids.'

The ministry has also issued the Zakat Regulation and the Zakat Governance Guide to ensure that all practices and applications adhere to a transparent and effective system, clarifying the rights and duties of all stakeholders involved.

'The progress we've made in organising Zakat-related work is a source of pride. It undoubtedly motivates us to improve the services of the Zakat committees, enhancing the community's trust in them and attracting support from various institutions to promote cooperation,' Al Maamari added.

Currently, the ministry is actively working on the development of the Zakat sector. It has established a working group to review the Zakat regulation and governance guide, issuing guidelines for Zakat committee programmes. The aim is to elevate Zakat committees to the status of Zakat institutions, similar to endowment institutions, thereby receiving greater attention and care.'