Fatih Erbakan reacts to fitra amount: You have made half of Turkey dependent on zakat

In his evaluation regarding the fitra amount announced by the Presidency of Religious Affairs for 2026, Erbakan said, "You have made half of Turkey dependent on zakat. At the very least, if you spoke with your privileged minority and made them pay their full zakat, you could bring a smile to the faces of the poor and needy."

Yeniden Refah Party Chairman Fatih Erbakan, in his evaluation regarding the fitra amount announced by the Presidency of Religious Affairs for 2026, stated that the government's economic policies have turned even the month of Ramadan into a struggle for survival for millions of citizens, saying, "You have made half of Turkey dependent on zakat. At the very least, if you spoke with your privileged minority and made them pay their full zakat, you could bring a smile to the faces of the poor and needy."

Fatih Erbakan, in a statement made on social media, stated that half of Turkey has been made dependent on aid and noted the following:

"The Diyanet has set the 2026 fitra amount: 240 liras. An iftar for a family of 4, at 240 liras per person, is 960 liras. 960 liras for suhoor as well, that makes 1920 liras per day. Since Ramadan is 30 days, the monthly cost for iftar and suhoor is 57 thousand 600 liras. This does not include rent, electricity, water, natural gas, transportation, or the child's stationery and clothing. Just olives, cheese, bread, pita, dates, eggs; or whatever is on the table.

You have made half of Turkey dependent on zakat. At the very least, if you spoke with your privileged minority and made them pay their full zakat, you could bring a smile to the faces of the poor and needy. I am very sad... I am distressed that tens of millions are longing for minced meat, dates, and nuts during the blessed Ramadan, and that there are fathers who cannot buy what their children see in advertisements and want.

We will bring peace to homes, abundance to tables, and prosperity to Turkey. We will bring smiles to the faces of mothers, fathers, and children. With us, Ramadan will be a joy not just for the rich, but for the entire society." 

News Source: 12punto