Jakarta. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has mandated that YouTubers and online influencers adhere to the obligation of paying zakat. Zakat, an Islamic practice aimed at purifying wealth and earning spiritual rewards, is typically distributed annually to support those in need.

Asrorun Niam Sholeh, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Fatwa Affairs, said that this obligation extends to individuals involved in the digital economy.

"The council has decided that YouTubers, influencers, and other participants in the digital creative economy must fulfill their zakat obligations," said Niam in a release received in Jakarta on Thursday.

Niam elaborated that the MUI acknowledges the potential of digital technology to contribute to social and economic progress. He said that the obligation for YouTubers and influencers to pay zakat is contingent upon certain conditions, including that their business activities or content adhere to Islamic principles.

"They (earnings) must meet the nisab threshold, equivalent to 85 grams of gold, and complete one full lunar year of ownership," he elaborated.

In instances where income does not meet the nisab threshold, it should be accumulated over one year, with zakat due once it reaches the threshold, typically at a rate of 2.5 percent.

For individuals facing challenges in utilizing the hijri year for business accounting, Niam noted, a zakat rate of 2.57 percent may be applied.

"However, this zakat obligation specifically pertains to digital activities that align with sharia principles. Content involving gossip, slander, obscenity, gambling, and other prohibited activities is strictly forbidden (haram)," concluded Niam.