By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter


Zakat Fund operated by the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs has spent QR1.5bn so far while its total income during last year amounted to QR164.5mn, it was announced yesterday.
Mohamed Yaqub al-Ali, deputy director of Zakat Fund, pointed out that the main task of the fund was to promote and revive the religious practice of Zakat (alms giving) within the society as a binding religious duty. He explained that the fund supports the charities in the country and does not compete with them or look for publicity about its works.    
The fund held yesterday its third forum for “Our organisation gives alms” project with the participation of some representatives from different ministries and entities in the country, taking part in the project.
The forum aims at enhancing communication among partners and discusses ideas on how to improve the performance of the organisation, which has active partnership with some 14 different institutions inside the country.
The project was first launched to raise awareness about the importance of Zakat in maintaining social security and the well being of all the segments of the society, achieving the required balance among people.
Representatives from the fund have visited various government offices during the last three years, public and private companies and various entities in Qatar to introduce the issue to the employees and officials there, explaining to them the importance of Zakat and how to contribute their alms.
Such visits reached out to the Ministries of Interior, Justice, Environment, Culture and the Municipality, besides the Supreme Council of Health, Qatar Olympic Committee and the Supreme Education Council, among other organisations.  
Al-Ali said that originally the income of Zakat used to be spent on charitable projects and aid for the needy inside the country. However, Muslim scholars said that these could also be extended to help the needy abroad so long as the country is not in need.