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The Department of Zakat Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs in Qatar achieved notable results during the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, reflecting the efficiency of its institutional framework and the success of efforts to enhance zakat services and maximise social impact, in line with its vision to promote a culture of zakat and strengthen principles of social solidarity. Head of the Zakat Services Section Ahmed Jaber al-Jarbouei said that zakat revenues recorded a significant growth of 17% compared to the same period in 2025, noting that this increase reflects growing trust among individuals and companies in the department, as well as rising awareness of the importance of fulfilling this obligation in accordance with Islamic principles. He said that this growth is the result of integrated efforts combining awareness and media outreach, the development of service channels, and expanded use of digital solutions that make it easier for contributors to fulfil their obligations. On the disbursement side, al-Jarbouei said that total assistance provided to eligible families within Qatar during the first quarter reached QR53,370,807, reflecting the department’s commitment to distributing zakat funds to rightful beneficiaries in accordance with Islamic guidelines, thereby supporting social stability and assisting the most vulnerable groups. He noted that this assistance covered several areas, including periodic aid amounting to QR8,716,800, one-time assistance totalling QR20,880,063, medical aid of QR13,294,006, support for debtors amounting to QR2,169,038, and assistance to families benefiting from social security totalling QR5,706,000. Additional support of QR2,604,900 was also provided to residents from Gaza in Qatar as part of the department’s humanitarian role. He added that special attention was given to Zakat Al-Fitr, with 22,100 beneficiaries receiving support during the same period, reflecting the department’s commitment to delivering this assistance on time with a high level of organisation and accuracy. Regarding public services, al-Jarbouei said the department processed 1,247 assistance requests during the first quarter and handled 2,020 religious inquiries through its various channels, highlighting its educational and advisory role in clarifying zakat rulings and enhancing public understanding of how to calculate and pay it. He also said that the department continued to strengthen its field presence and direct engagement with the business sector, conducting 151 field visits to local companies to provide religious and financial consultations on corporate zakat and to introduce them to available services, thereby fostering effective partnerships with this vital sector. As part of its digital transformation efforts, he noted that the department made significant progress by launching an online corporate zakat calculation service through its official website, which was used by 220 companies during the first quarter, reflecting a commitment to simplifying procedures and aligning with best practices in government service delivery. Al-Jarbouei emphasised that these achievements stem from integrated field and media efforts aimed at raising community awareness of the importance of zakat and reinforcing its role as a key pillar of sustainable development.He concluded by affirming that the Zakat Affairs Department will continue to develop its service system and enhance its awareness and technological initiatives in line with community expectations, in order to maximise the impact of zakat and fulfil its mission of supporting those in need and promoting social solidarity. 

Zakat Affairs Department at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has announced that it will embark on providing a free service of Zakat calculation for individuals and enterprises throughout the year. It highlighted that this move is intended to assist Zakat payers in knowing the accurate amount of Zakat due, based on Islamic Shariah and accepted accounting standards. Head of Zakat Services Section, Ahmed Jaber al-Jarbouei, highlighted that the department has been committed, through this service, to enabling owners of companies to perform the obligation of Zakat more easily, reflecting the Awqaf’s leading role in serving the community and ultimately realising the intended objectives of this pillar in promoting social interdependence and mercy among community members. The section includes an elite of in-the-know Shariah specialists and qualified accountants who always lend accurate counselling in calculating Zakat, whether through field visits, digital channels, or directly reaching out to the public, with this service being provided in a completely confidential way to ensure preservation of payers’ financial information privacy, al-Jarbouei noted. Al-Jarbouei further indicated that throughout the past period, the service has been provided to over 150 companies nationwide, adding that the team specialising in field visits at the section always embarks on visiting these companies and reaches out to their financial departments. Official letters from the Zakat department have been delivered to those companies, showcasing the due amounts that should be paid as Zakat after accurately vetting the financial data provided by each company, he added. Al-Jarbouei emphasised that these efforts are part of the department’s strategy to enhance awareness of the importance of paying Zakat in a timely manner, in addition to providing individuals, enterprises, and those who wish to correctly perform this Islamic pillar with Shariah support. He pointed out that the service is within reach of all throughout the year, either by visiting the department’s premises or by contacting the specialists online.

The Department of Zakat Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has revealed that it has received over 1,000 applications for assistance in paying tuition fees for the academic year 2025-26 since the beginning of September, as part of its efforts to support deserving families and enable their sons and daughters to continue their education without financial hitches.The department has hitherto handled over 750 applications, with payment of tuition fees for eligible students in private schools and local universities underway after each case was reviewed based on Shariah guidelines and approved criteria, ensuring that Zakat funds reach the rightful recipients, said Zakat Department head Abdulmonem Ali al-Hamadi.He noted that the reception of assistance applications for tuition fees began from the beginning of the current academic year until October 1.Al-Hamadi lauded the efforts of the benefactors and members of society who contribute through their Zakat to support such programmes, noting that their Zakat has had a profound impact in ensuring the continued support of this segment of students and in alleviating the burden of tuition fees on their families.He highlighted that the department continues its role in enlarging its social services through a variety of ventures and initiatives that include funnelling financial aid to eligible cases, providing accommodation, medical treatment, subsidising education, in addition to relieving the financial distress of eligible debt-burdened individuals, reflecting its mission to strengthen social solidarity and promote the nation’s sustainable social development. – QNA