Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—The Religious Affairs Ministry emphasized that Islamic law allows zakat funds only for the designated recipients and prohibits their use for programs such as the Free Meals Program (MBG). The possible use of zakat funds for the national nutrition initiative sparked public confusion. Therefore, they asked the Religious Affairs Minister for more information.

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar gave a speech at the main office of the Religious Affairs Ministry in Jakarta, Wednesday, February 25. He said that Islamic teachings restrict zakat distribution to the eight eligible groups of recipients. Islamic teachings define these groups as asnaf.

“Only eligible recipients may receive zakat funds, and they must not pass them on to others. Sharia law forbids the distribution of zakat to individuals outside the asnaf categories,” he said.

Nasaruddin said that Islamic law is very clear about how to give zakat. He used verse 60 from the Quran’s Surah At-Taubah as an example. It says that eight groups can receive zakat. The destitute (fakir), the needy (miskin), the people who collect zakat (amil), the new converts (muallaf), the people who are in bondage (riqab), the people who owe money (gharimin), the people who are trying to follow God (fisabilillah), and the people who are traveling and need help (ibnu sabil) are all examples of these.

Nasaruddin emphasizes the importance of monitoring these groups to ensure that zakat remains a religious obligation. This is so that zakat benefits those who qualify for it.

The Ministry’s Public Relations and Communication Bureau head, Thobib Al Asyhar, also said before that there is no policy that connects the MBG program to the giving of zakat.

“There is no rule that says zakat should go to MBG. We ensure that zakat distribution complies with both legal regulations and sharia principles,” Thobib said.

He said that Indonesia’s zakat management is based on Law No. 23/2011. This law provides guidance on how to handle zakat. It says that only people who meet certain criteria can get zakat funds. Furthermore, the rule also states that the distribution must be fair, with some areas getting more attention than others. Officials must also ensure fair distribution across regions.

They also said that well-known zakat agencies like the National Alms Agency (Baznas RI) and zakat management institutions (LAZ) should handle zakat money in a clear and professional way. These agencies are responsible because independent auditors check their work on a regular basis.

The Religious Affairs Ministry told Muslims to give their zakat to groups that the government has registered. Authorities do this to ensure that the distribution follows proper procedures and complies with religious rules.

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