Morocco’s King Revives Zakat in the Modern Era: A Global Model for Faith-Based Social Justice

King Mohammed VI, in his capacity as Commander of the Faithful, has instructed the Supreme Council of Ulema to issue a comprehensive legal opinion (fatwa) clarifying the rules of zakat — the Islamic obligation of almsgiving — in light of today’s economic realities.

This initiative is far more than a simple religious ruling. It is a bold attempt to reconcile one of Islam’s fundamental pillars with the complexities of the 21st-century economy. The fatwa will address citizens’ pressing questions about how to calculate and distribute zakat on wages, services, investments, and other modern forms of income. In doing so, Morocco is setting a precedent for the Muslim world: bridging classical jurisprudence with contemporary financial life.

Equally significant is the communication strategy behind the move. The Supreme Council of Ulema will not only publish the fatwa within a month, but will also launch a dedicated online platform where citizens can submit questions and receive authoritative answers. This digital openness reflects a Moroccan approach to religious governance — one that is transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of society.

The timing is symbolic. This year marks fifteen centuries since the birth of Prophet Muhammad, and King Mohammed VI appears determined to renew the prophetic mission of education, guidance, and public service. In a region where religion is too often politicized, Morocco is offering a model where faith becomes a tool for social cohesion and equitable development.

For international observers, this is a noteworthy moment: a Muslim-majority country deploying state-backed religious authority not to control society, but to empower citizens with clarity, trust, and a shared moral compass. By modernizing the practice of zakat, Morocco is turning a religious duty into a national mechanism for social solidarity — potentially inspiring similar reforms across the Muslim world.

In an age of inequality and global uncertainty, Morocco’s initiative offers a lesson beyond its borders: religious tradition, when interpreted with courage and foresight, can become a force for inclusive growth and social justice.