Religion Minister Apologises for Zakat Statement

Religion Minister Nasaruddin Umar has issued an apology for remarks regarding calls to abandon zakat. Nasaruddin acknowledged that the statement had caused misunderstanding amongst the public.

He emphasised that zakat remains an individual obligation (fardhu ’ain) and an integral component of the five pillars of Islam, with its status unchanged. “I apologise for my remarks that caused misunderstanding. I must clarify that zakat is a fardhu ’ain and pillar of Islam that we are obliged to fulfil,” said Religion Minister Nasaruddin Umar in a written statement on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The Religion Minister explained that his remarks delivered at the Forum of 99 Islamic Economists were intended as a call for reorienting the management of community funds. He encouraged Islamic economic strengthening not to stop at a zakat-only approach, but also to optimise other Islamic philanthropic instruments such as waqf, infak, and sadaqah.

According to Nasaruddin, many countries have demonstrated progress through professional and integrated waqf management. He cited examples from Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, where ministries handling 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 Religion Minister hopes this clarification can correct circulating information and strengthen public understanding of the importance of optimising all Islamic social funds. He also urged the community to continue fulfilling zakat obligations whilst supporting the development of waqf and Islamic philanthropy in a more productive and sustainable manner.