President Jokowi, VP Ma’ruf Amin Pay Zakat through Baznas

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin Tuesday (04/12) at the State Palace, Jakarta, paid their zakat (mandatory tithes) through the National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS).

Also paying their zakat at the same occasion were a number of Ministers from the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, chairpersons of several state institutions, regional leaders, directors of state-owned enterprises, and representatives of private companies.

“Alhamdulillah, today, together with Vice President, chairpersons of state institutions, the ministers, governors, regents, and mayor, we can still pay zakat amid the pandemic,” President Jokowi said.

According to the President, paying zakat is an obligation to the Islamic ummah to share their fortune and happiness to their fellow countrymen, particularly those who are entitled to receive zakat (mustahik).

Therefore, President Jokowi calls on Muslims to pay their zakat through official zakat distributors in order to give benefit to realize Indonesian people’s welfare.

“I also call on all state officials, all officials of state-owned enterprises, all private companies, and all regional leaders and their ranks throughout Indonesia to pay their zakat through BAZNAS so the zakat fee will be managed professionally and orderly and bring good impact in realizing our people’s welfare,” he said.

The Head of State also expressed hope that the zakat fee collected by BAZNAS can be optimally used to assist the people, particularly those who have been unfortunately impacted by COVID-19 and also to help eradicating poverty fully.

“We hope the zakat we pay will complete our fasting and bring perfection to our obedience to Allah SWT.,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Head of BAZNAS Noor Achmad in his report stated the agency’s commitment to keep supporting the Government in accelerating post-pandemic economic recovery.

“BAZNAS is committed to focusing on the poverty eradication program by prioritizing agenda on economy, health, and scholarships, particularly for the children whose parents passed away due to COVID-19,” Noor Achmad said.

Also attending the occasion were Coordinating Minister for Political, Law, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and Head of BAZNAS Noor Achmad. (FID/UN) (AW/EP).