Following Viral Video, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar Apologises: Zakat Remains an Islamic Pillar
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has issued an apology for his remarks regarding zakat that triggered controversy and public misunderstanding.
He emphasised that zakat remains a mandatory individual obligation (fardhu ’ain) and a pillar of Islam whose status is unchanged in religious teaching.
“I apologise for my statement that caused misunderstanding. I must clarify that zakat is a fardhu ’ain and a pillar of Islam that we are obliged to fulfil,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar in an official statement received on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Clarification on Fund Reorientation
The Minister explained that his earlier remarks during the Islamic Economists’ Dialogue Forum 99 were intended to encourage a broader reorientation of Islamic community fund management.
According to him, strengthening Islamic economics cannot rely solely on zakat mechanisms; it also requires optimising other Islamic philanthropic instruments such as waqf, infak, and sadaqah.
He cited several Middle Eastern countries that have successfully managed waqf professionally and in an integrated manner, such as Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. In those countries, waqf management has become one of the drivers of social and economic development.
“This is the model we wish to study and adapt to accelerate community progress in Indonesia, without diminishing the zakat obligation that is clearly defined in Islamic teaching,” he affirmed.
The Minister hopes this clarification will correct the circulating information and strengthen public understanding regarding the importance of optimising all Islamic social fund instruments. He also called on society to continue fulfilling zakat obligations whilst supporting the development of waqf and Islamic philanthropy in a productive and sustainable manner.
Viral Video Excerpt
Previously, a video excerpt circulated showing the Minister’s remarks during the Islamic Economists’ Dialogue Forum 99 on Tuesday, 24 February. In the excerpt, he made statements that later sparked debate.
“If we want to progress as a community, we must abandon zakat. Zakat is not popular. The Qur’an does not promote zakat. During the time of the Prophet, zakat was not popular. During the time of the Companions, zakat was also not popular. What was popular? Charity,” said Nasaruddin during the dialogue on Tuesday, 24 February.