Jerusalem Mufti Calls for Olive Harvest Tithe

Mohammed Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine and head of the Supreme Fatwa Council, has called on the public to pay the zakat (religious tithe) on olives and olive oil as the olive harvesting season begins. In a statement released by his office, Hussein expressed hope that the season's bounty would benefit the Palestinian people, who he said cherish the olive tree, which he noted is targeted by aggression. He specified that those whose harvest reaches the zakat threshold of approximately 653 kilograms of olives, or the equivalent amount of oil, must pay 10% of their yield if the trees are rain-fed. If irrigation other than rainfall is used, the zakat due is 5%.

The statement also urged citizens to care for their agricultural lands, emphasizing a commitment to the land and its trees. Hussein condemned the deliberate attacks on olive groves, including theft, uprooting, and burning of trees, as well as the intimidation of farmers aimed at preventing them from reaching their land and harvesting their crops. He praised the steadfastness of Palestinian farmers who remain on their land despite difficulties and challenges.