Sana'a: Acting Prime Minister Muhammad Miftah launched on Monday the charitable projects being implemented by the General Authority of Zakat during the third quarter of 2026, on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in 1448 AH.
According to Yemen News Agency, the projects target more than 300,000 poor and needy beneficiaries, with a total value exceeding YR14 billion, to be disbursed through the Sharia-approved zakat categories. The initiative is being carried out under a slogan derived from the Quranic verse: 'Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are firm against the disbelievers and compassionate among themselves.'
At the launch, Acting Prime Minister Miftah emphasized the significance of the charity projects, which aim to assist poor, needy, and disadvantaged members of society. He praised the Authority's efforts to distribute zakat accurately and properly in accordance with Sharia-approved categories. This involves organized procedures for identifying, documenting, and assessing cases to ensure that assistance reaches those entitled to it. Miftah also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Authority's staff and officials in collecting and distributing zakat through legitimate channels.
Miftah described the zakat projects as evidence of Yemen's recovery, highlighting that the projects, funded through the Islamic obligation of zakat, amount to tens of billions of riyals annually. He noted that these efforts represent a failure of the enemy's attempts to suffocate Yemenis through the blockade and shift responsibility for the perpetrator's actions onto the victim.
Yemeni Grand Mufti Shams al-Din Sharaf al-Din described the projects as avenues of mercy with which Allah has blessed the Yemeni people. He urged those who evade paying zakat to ensure that they fulfill their obligations to the competent authority responsible for collecting and distributing zakat. Sharaf al-Din also called on Zakat Authority employees and zakat payers to uphold honesty and integrity in this religious obligation, stressing its importance in fostering compassion among people.
During the launch, attended by Minister of Health and Environment Dr. Ali Shaiban, Chairman of the General Authority of Zakat Sheikh Shamsan Abu Nashtan expressed pride in launching the Authority's charity projects. He explained that the projects include decentralized disbursement projects such as monthly assistance for families unable to work, cash assistance for poor families, medical assistance, and support for debtors.
Abu Nashtan highlighted additional decentralized projects, including support for the 'Path of Allah' zakat category, kidney transplant operations, and the 'Lifeline' project for cardiac procedures. The projects also support the Republican Hospital in Sana'a, care centers for homeless people, orphanages, Islamic studies centers, and stranded travelers.
The Chairman affirmed the Authority's commitment, in partnership with zakat payers, to ensure zakat benefits reach eligible beneficiaries transparently and in accordance with Sharia-approved categories. He noted that zakat projects are implemented throughout the year on a quarterly basis and emphasized the importance of economically empowering poor families through agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
The launch event, attended by various state officials and featured a documentary film, a musical performance, and poetry contributions, also included the opening of the Zakat Authority's exhibition showcasing its charity projects. Acting Prime Minister Miftah and other officials toured the exhibition, where they were briefed on the nature of the various zakat projects assisting over 300,000 beneficiaries across different governorates.