Ministry of Religious Affairs: Zakat Distribution Not Intended for Free Meals Programme
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that zakat distribution is not intended for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Head of the Ministry's Public Relations and Communication Bureau, Thobib Al Asyhar, said zakat is designated solely for the eight ashnaf — those entitled to receive zakat benefits as stipulated in Surah Al-Taubah verse 60.
"There is no policy directing zakat towards MBG. We can assure that zakat distribution is carried out in accordance with Islamic law and prevailing legislation," Thobib said in an official Ministry statement on Friday, 20 February 2026.
The eight ashnaf comprise: the destitute (those without property or employment to meet basic needs), the poor (those with employment but whose income is insufficient for daily needs), and amil (officers duly appointed as zakat administrators). Additionally, they include converts to Islam, riqab (slaves), gharimin (those burdened by debt), fisabilillah (those striving in the path of God), and ibnu sabil (travellers in need).
"This principle serves as the primary foundation for national zakat governance," Thobib said.
According to Thobib, Article 25 of Law Number 23 of 2011 on Zakat Management stipulates that zakat must be distributed to mustahik in accordance with Islamic law. Mustahik refers to those entitled to receive zakat.
Article 26 further explains that zakat distribution, as referred to in Article 25, shall be conducted based on a priority scale with due regard to the principles of equity, justice, and regional coverage.
"Zakat is a trust from the ummah that must be safeguarded and distributed according to the provisions of Islamic law. The rights of mustahik are the priority in every policy concerning zakat fund management," Thobib said.
Thobib also stated that zakat management is carried out in a professional, transparent, and accountable manner through official institutions that are supervised and audited regularly, both through the National Zakat Board (Baznas) and Zakat Management Institutions (LAZ).
"I urge the public to channel their zakat through zakat management bodies that hold official permits from the government, whether Baznas or LAZ. For the sake of accountability, their performance is also audited by independent auditors on a regular basis," Thobib said.
"There is no policy directing zakat towards MBG. We can assure that zakat distribution is carried out in accordance with Islamic law and prevailing legislation," Thobib said in an official Ministry statement on Friday, 20 February 2026.
The eight ashnaf comprise: the destitute (those without property or employment to meet basic needs), the poor (those with employment but whose income is insufficient for daily needs), and amil (officers duly appointed as zakat administrators). Additionally, they include converts to Islam, riqab (slaves), gharimin (those burdened by debt), fisabilillah (those striving in the path of God), and ibnu sabil (travellers in need).
"This principle serves as the primary foundation for national zakat governance," Thobib said.
According to Thobib, Article 25 of Law Number 23 of 2011 on Zakat Management stipulates that zakat must be distributed to mustahik in accordance with Islamic law. Mustahik refers to those entitled to receive zakat.
Article 26 further explains that zakat distribution, as referred to in Article 25, shall be conducted based on a priority scale with due regard to the principles of equity, justice, and regional coverage.
"Zakat is a trust from the ummah that must be safeguarded and distributed according to the provisions of Islamic law. The rights of mustahik are the priority in every policy concerning zakat fund management," Thobib said.
Thobib also stated that zakat management is carried out in a professional, transparent, and accountable manner through official institutions that are supervised and audited regularly, both through the National Zakat Board (Baznas) and Zakat Management Institutions (LAZ).
"I urge the public to channel their zakat through zakat management bodies that hold official permits from the government, whether Baznas or LAZ. For the sake of accountability, their performance is also audited by independent auditors on a regular basis," Thobib said.