Diwan Az-Zakat holds a ceremony to distribute the zakat proceeds for the year 2024 under the patronage of the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments

Under the patronage of the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Mr. Moumin Hassan Barreh, the Grand Hall of the People’s Palace witnessed, last Thursday, the annual ceremony for distributing the proceeds of Zakat for the year 2024, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Diwan Az-Zakat, the Director General of the House, Senior zakat payers, and cadres of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, in addition to hundreds of beneficiaries. In this context, this year's zakat proceeds were distributed to about 1,060 people from the capital's population, most notably the elderly, the disabled, women without a breadwinner, and poor families. This financial assistance aims to improve the living conditions of beneficiary families and support them in facing economic and social challenges. According to Diwan Az-Zakat, the zakat proceeds for the year 2024 are expected to reach 160 million Djiboutian francs. It will be a strong support to alleviate the suffering of many families suffering from poverty and difficult circumstances. Diwan Az-Zakat is the only institution authorized to collect Zakat and deliver it to those entitled to it in various regions of the country. The House, which was established by the initiative of his excellency the President of the Republic in 2004 under the supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, works to carry out the process of collecting and distributing Zakat periodically, while ensuring that the distribution is carried out transparently and fairly. Diwan Az-Zakat is considered an essential element in strengthening the social safety net in Djibouti, as it contributes to reducing social gaps and achieving justice among different segments of society. On this occasion, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Mr. Moamen Hassan Barri, delivered a speech in which he expressed his great pleasure to sponsor the ceremony to distribute the zakat proceeds for the year 2024 to the deserving families, which comes during the month of Sha’ban, which is considered the month of spiritual preparation to receive the blessed month of Ramadan, the month of generosity and benevolence, pointing out that the beloved Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, used to give a lot of charity in this holy month, and therefore we must follow his example and his pure Sunnah. We make our zakat a symbol of giving and solidarity among the different segments of Djiboutian society. He added, "Our meeting today is an embodiment of the values of solidarity and compassion that our true religion calls us to, and an implementation of the vision of our wise leadership in supporting the bonds of social unity and caring for the needy." He noted that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments pays great attention to enhancing awareness of the obligation of Zakat and the necessity of adhering to its performance, adding, “Diwan Az-Zakat was established in July 2005 by a generous initiative from the President of the Republic, Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, in an effort to enhance the spirit of social solidarity and combat poverty in accordance with the principles of Islamic law.” Over more than twenty years of tireless activity, Diwan Az-Zakat has achieved tangible accomplishments that embody the impact of this initiative in supporting the most needy groups. Approximately 2,844,057,364 francs were collected and distributed, benefiting more than 192,000 citizens, reflecting the extent of the social commitment adopted by this institution. Minister Moamen Hassan Berri drew attention to the fact that the Diwan’s journey began with a limited number of zakat donors, reaching 20 in 2005, during which approximately 21,837,477 francs were collected. Over the years, the number of zakat donors increased and the social impact deepened, making the Diwan a symbol of giving, solidarity and mutual support, thanks to God Almighty. He added, “The role of these occasions is not limited to distributing Zakat only, but they are a platform to remind us of the spiritual and social role of this great Islamic duty, which purifies souls and funds, and carries a lofty message of charity and solidarity. As mentioned in the noble hadith, it is “taken from their rich and returned to their poor,” to achieve balance and embody the mercy that God wanted for our Muslim society. At the end of the speech, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments extended his sincere thanks to everyone who fulfilled his duty towards Allah in his money, and contributed his zakat to meeting the needs of the needy and establishing the values of solidarity. He also congratulated the beneficiary families, calling on Allah Almighty to make this gift in the balance of everyone’s good deeds, and to bless the efforts of Diwan Az-Zakat, and to inspire everyone to follow the approach of the noble Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in giving and generosity. For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Diwan Az-Zakat, Sheikh Abdul Basit Ahmed Al-Zariqi, delivered a speech in which he referred to the vital role played by the House in collecting and distributing Zakat to the deserving categories. He also discussed in his speech the profound meanings of Zakat in Islam as a means to achieve social justice and provide support to the needy, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the disabled, widows and the poor.