Zakat Funds Alleged to Be Used for Ramadan Safari, Baznas Firmly Denies

There has been a stir over rumours circulating that zakat funds were used by the National Zakat Amil Agency (Baznas) of Jambi Province for the operational activities of the Ramadan Safari 1447 AH. Muhammad Amin, the chair of Baznas in Jambi Province, vigorously rejected the allegations. ‘There are rumours circulating on social media accusing the misappropriation of zakat funds by Jambi Vice Governor Abdullah Sani to finance the Ramadan Safari. That is not true,’ Amin said in Jambi, quoted on Saturday, 7 March 2026. In the clarification statement, Amin asserted that the Jambi Provincial Government’s Ramadan Safari constitutes an official dakwah activity performed in the government’s capacity as Khadimul Ummah. ‘I guarantee that not a single rupiah of zakat funds was used to finance the Deputy Governor’s travel or operations,’ he said. He further stated that Baznas’ fund management is conducted strictly in accordance with Law No. 23 of 2011 and Government Regulation No. 14 of 2014. Expenditure must be based on the eight categories of zakat recipients (asnaf), and departures from these rules are not permitted. In the Ramadan Safari schedule, Baznas indeed distributes aid to mustahik and the poor. However, distribution is based on valid data from village heads, sub-district heads (lurah), up to Baznas at district/city level. Amin emphasised that the Deputy Governor operates using personal funds and facilities outside Baznas. The Deputy Governor’s presence helps coordinate the people so that Baznas assistance is delivered directly and targeted. Regarding the viral narratives on social media, the Baznas chair expressed concern about information regarded as slander. Though harmed, Baznas said it has forgiven those who spread the false information. However, they call for clarification to prevent this issue from fostering negative assumptions in the community. To date, Baznas Jambi claims to have contributed by distributing more than 6,000 scholarships, assistance for 1,800 MSMEs, and more than 70,000 food parcel packages for those in need. ‘By God, I declare that zakat funds are not used for Ramadan Safari operations. The Deputy Governor is travelling on his own money, operating outside Baznas facilities,’ he asserted. (Ant)