Algiers – The Director-General of the National Waqf and Zakat Office (ONWZ), Mr. Amhamed Bouziane, presented a detailed report on the office’s operations and activities to the Committee on Education, Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Religious Affairs of the People’s National Assembly (APN) on Sunday.
The meeting, held within the APN headquarters, provided a platform for Mr. Bouziane to outline the ONWZ’s current strategies, achievements, and challenges in managing Waqf properties and administering Zakat funds across the nation. The presentation covered a range of topics, including the office’s role in promoting Islamic finance, supporting social development initiatives, and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to deserving beneficiaries.
Waqf, in Islamic law, refers to an endowment made by a Muslim to a religious, educational, or charitable cause. The ONWZ is responsible for overseeing these endowments, ensuring their preservation and productive use for the benefit of society. Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory form of charity levied on wealth and distributed to the poor and needy. The ONWZ plays a crucial role in collecting and distributing Zakat funds in accordance with Islamic principles.
The committee members engaged in a thorough discussion with Mr. Bouziane, raising questions and offering suggestions on how to further enhance the ONWZ’s effectiveness and impact. The discussions centered on improving transparency, strengthening governance structures, and expanding the reach of the office’s programs to underserved communities. The committee also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve the efficiency of Zakat collection and distribution.
The APN statement highlighted the committee’s commitment to supporting the ONWZ in its mission to promote Islamic values, foster social solidarity, and contribute to the overall development of Algeria. The committee pledged to work closely with the ONWZ to address any challenges and ensure that the office has the necessary resources and support to fulfill its mandate.
