Doha, February 25 (QNA) - Zakat Affairs Department at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs unveiled that all operational and technical preparations have been fully primed to receive Zakat payments from individuals and companies via a combined collection system, either through modern digital outlets or onsite collection points.

These preparations ensure the highest standards of security and reliability, bolstering individuals' confidence and assurances that their payments reach the recipients through the approved regulatory tracks, stemming from Ramadan’s motto: "Because your Zakat is a trust", the Awqaf Ministry reported in a statement.

Head of the Collection and Zakat Accounts Section, Marwa Ahmed Al Benali, highlighted that the section has set an overall operational plan to cope with the record turnout throughout Ramadan, which overtly included augmenting the capacity, extending business day hours, as well as supporting the collection team and serving the public.

Al Benali recalled that Ramadan represents the peak of performing this prescribed pillar, clarifying that the department operates Zakat payment channels around the clock, either through the official website or mobile application, enabling Zakat payers to accurately calculate and pay easily and securely, along with the direct banking transfer service catered to approved accounts.

She added that the digital user experience has been upgraded to operate smoothly and efficiently, as a multitude of options are in place for online payment, along with instant notifications sent to payers once the operation is processed, thereby deepening confidence and assurance that the procedures have been finalized safely and accurately in embodiment of that motto.

The department has been thrilled to have collection offices and points in place, distributed across many areas nationwide, to streamline access to their services, in addition to mobilizing certified collectors in selected outlets during Ramadan, Al Benali assured.

Al Benali further emphasized that all collection outlets are fitted with electronic systems to ensure that all operations are registered in a timely manner, followed by issuing approved transaction receipts, as individuals can closely view the geographical sites of these collection offices and outlets by visiting the department's website.

She elaborated that the section operates in combined coordination with relevant sections to ensure calculations are accurate, and the rapid reconciliation of transactions, along with monitoring daily reports, thereby fostering financial governance and transparency.

Regarding Zakat for companies, Al Benali said the department has inaugurated a calculator for companies, offering the calculation process based on Islamic Sharia rules, as well as authorized accounting measures, with technical and consultative support in place for accountants and their managers, with the objective of streamlining calculation and meticulously clarifying the Zakat base.

The department is always committed to directly reaching out to companies and enterprises and lending essential counseling to ensure Zakat is correctly calculated, underscoring a true partnership with the business sector in enforcing this third Islamic pillar, Al Benali noted.

Al Benali further explained that all collected Zakat funds are subject to rigorous financial measures, alongside combined electronic documentation and regular reviews to ensure these payments are directed to the Islamic banks based on the approved systems. She asserted that societal confidence is a double responsibility that the department is keen to protect.

She called on all payers to embark on paying Zakat throughout this holy month via the available outlets, emphasizing that the department has harnessed the entire technological and human potential to facilitate this process in a serene manner, as long as Zakat is a trust and funneling it to the eligible recipients is a responsibility. (QNA)