UAE Symposium Highlights Zakat on Dates & National Efforts

The UAE Council for Fatwa recently hosted a landmark symposium titled Zakat on Dates: Fatwa-Based Rulings and National Efforts…Civilisational Foresight, bringing together scholars, academics, and national institutions to explore the religious, economic, and social dimensions of zakat during the 2025 date-harvest season.

The initiative is part of the council’s Year of Community programme and reflects nationwide efforts to modernize the fatwa system, strengthen the integration between faith and societal development, and leverage digital solutions and artificial intelligence in community services.

The symposium addressed emerging Islamic legal issues related to the zakat on dates, aiming to raise public awareness of its religious significance and practical application. Discussions emphasized how zakat can support sustainable agricultural practices, food security, and social development across the UAE.

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Participants explored the conceptual and maqāṣid-based (higher objectives) framework of zakat on dates, reflecting contemporary fatwa issues and the role of national institutions in supporting innovation and community welfare. A special focus was given to the council’s regulated governance principles, designed to align fatwa issuance with modern societal needs.

Alongside the symposium, the Shamareekh Al-Tamr exhibition showcased six main sections highlighting the heritage and sustainability of the palm tree, Islamic rulings and measurement standards, digital services for zakat management, and educational activities promoting traditional practices. Families and the wider community were invited to engage with interactive displays, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural and religious values associated with dates.

The event concluded with the announcement of several practical outcomes, including the 2025 nisab (minimum zakat threshold) for dates, a fatwa-based product outlining approved rulings and standards, and a national visual production celebrating the palm tree’s significance. These steps reflect the UAE’s unique approach to combining religious guidance with national development initiatives.

Through this symposium and accompanying initiatives, the UAE underscores its commitment to fostering community awareness, sustainable agriculture, and integration of faith-based guidance into modern governance and social programs.