Minister of Religion Apologises over 'Abandoning Zakat' Statement; Indonesian Ulema Council Offers Criticism

Indonesia’s Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar has issued an apology for remarks regarding zakat that generated public misunderstanding during a forum discussion.

He emphasised that zakat remains an obligatory individual religious duty (fardhu ’ain) and an unchanging pillar of Islam.

“I apologise for my statement which caused misunderstanding. I must clarify that zakat is a fardhu ’ain and a pillar of Islam that we must fulfil,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar in Jakarta on Saturday.

The Minister explained that his comments during the Sarasehan 99 Islamic Economists forum were intended as an appeal to reorient the management of community funds.

He advocated that strengthening Islamic economics should not stop at a zakat-only approach, but should also optimise other Islamic philanthropic instruments such as waqf, infaq, and sadaqah.

According to Nasaruddin, many countries have demonstrated progress through professional and integrated waqf management. He cited examples of practices in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, where ministries responsible for waqf have been able to make it a driving force for community social and economic development.

“This is the model we wish to study and adapt to accelerate community progress in Indonesia, without diminishing the clear obligation of zakat in Islamic teachings,” he said.

The Minister hopes this clarification will correct circulating information and strengthen public understanding of the importance of optimising all religious social financing instruments.