Doha, May 3 (QNA) - The Department of Zakat Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Qatar achieved notable results during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting the efficiency of its institutional framework and the success of efforts to enhance zakat services and maximize 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 percent 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 fulfill their obligations.

On the disbursement side, Al Jarbouei said that total assistance provided to eligible families within Qatar during the first quarter reached QAR 53,370,807, 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 QAR 8,716,800, one-time assistance totaling QAR 20,880,063, medical aid of QAR 13,294,006, support for debtors amounting to QAR 2,169,038, and assistance to families benefiting from social security totaling QAR 5,706,000. Additional support of QAR 2,604,900 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 organization 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 emphasized 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 maximize the impact of zakat and fulfill its mission of supporting those in need and promoting social solidarity. (QNA)