Distribute zakat without causing a crowd
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has asked zakat (alms) committees at mosques to avoid crowding and observe strict health protocols while distributing zakat this year.



"Distribute zakat without causing a crowd. Do not let a crowd like what happened in previous years, where the mustahik (recipients) jostled," said the minister in a written statement here on Monday.



The ministry will monitor the collection and distribution of zakat to ensure health protocols are strictly implemented, he stated.



In addition, the ministry will coordinate with the administrators of Zakat, Infaq and Alms (ZIS) to maximize services through online transfers by opening zakat payment accounts for the muzaki, the people who pay zakat, he informed.



"So zakat payments can be made through electronic channels, so that the muzaki do not need to come directly to the zakat collection point," he explained.



Furthermore, the minister also emphasized the importance of holding takbiran and Eid prayers under strict observance of health protocols. He asked the public not to perform traveling takbir, and instead, carry out these activities in the mosque.



Speaking about the Eid prayer services, he said only areas in green and yellow zones will be allowed to perform them. Red and orange zones will be prohibited from holding Eid prayers in mosques or fields as that could potentially cause crowding, he added.



The policy has been laid down in Circular Number 04 of 2021 concerning Guidelines for Ramadan and Eid Worship in 1442 H.



The minister said he expected the policy to serve as a guideline for regional officials and security forces while cracking down on violations of health protocols.



"This policy will be useless if it is not enforced. Therefore, we expect cooperation between regional government and security forces to crack down on violations," Quomas added. (INE)

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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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