Yousef Hassan Al Hammadi, Assistant Director of the Zakat Affairs Department for Public Services
Doha, Qatar: One of the most significant achievements of 2025 was the marked increase in both zakat revenues and expenditures, with total disbursements exceeding QR 300 million. The milestone reflects an expanding base of beneficiaries and growing public confidence in the Zakat Affairs Department’s efficiency, transparency, and commitment to delivering funds to eligible recipients.
The Zakat Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced its annual results for 2025, highlighting key achievements and projects that strengthened financial and administrative performance, reinforced public trust, and ensured zakat funds reached eligible beneficiaries in accordance with approved Sharia regulations.
The department recorded a notable increase in both revenues and expenditures last year, reflecting the continued development of zakat collection and disbursement mechanisms, improved procedures and services, and enhanced transparency and efficiency across all stages of its operations.
Yousef Hassan Al Hammadi, Assistant Director of the Zakat Affairs Department for Public Services, outlined the main indicators and accomplishments achieved in 2025, as well as plans for the coming phase. He stated that the year witnessed significant progress in revenue growth, improved spending efficiency, and service development—steps that further consolidate community confidence and ensure zakat funds are distributed to rightful recipients under Sharia guidelines.
More than 18,000 applications were processed in 2025, including new submissions and cases carried over from 2024. Applications were either approved or rejected following thorough assessments. Al Hammadi emphasised that processing does not solely mean disbursement; it also includes verifying ineligibility to safeguard zakat funds. “Just as delivering zakat to those entitled to it is an act of worship, preventing it from reaching those who do not qualify is a religious trust,” he said.
Al Hammadi noted that one of the most prominent achievements of 2025 was the rise in both revenues and expenditures. Disbursements exceeded QR300m, reflecting an expanded beneficiary base and growing public confidence in the department’s work.
All applications submitted between January 1 and December 15, 2025 were fully processed. Only a limited number were carried forward due to year-end accounting procedures and were addressed at the start of the new fiscal year without halting the acceptance of new applications.
Al Hammadi stressed that the department follows precise verification procedures based on the Sharia principle that zakat cannot be given to individuals who are financially self-sufficient through wealth or income. Assessments include reviewing financial data, bank balances, commercial records, and assets through coordination with relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
While acknowledging that some applicants may view documentation requirements as burdensome, he underlined that the department is entrusted with obligatory funds and must ensure they are disbursed strictly to eligible recipients. In 2025, efforts were made to streamline requirements and reduce documentation to essential proof of visible eligibility without compromising Sharia compliance.
Among major spending channels, Al Hammadi revealed that more than QR102m was allocated in 2025 to cover tuition fees for over 4,800 cases, reflecting a strategic focus on investing in human development. He noted that such support falls within legitimate zakat categories under the classifications of poverty or need, depending on individual circumstances.
