The Public Prosecution has cautioned public against collecting funds from the public under zakat, sadaqah or for any other purpose, saying doing so without proper permission is an offence. 

The announcement comes in light of the upcoming Ramadan when many people indulge in collecting funds in the name of charity. 

“Merely inviting others to donate or collect donation form the public whether from inside the country or from outside regardless of the method and under any name (Zakat, Sadaqah or otherwise) without obtaining proper permission from the concerned authority is an offense,” Public Prosecution said in a statement. 

It added that the offense can invite jail term and fine to those doing so. “The offense is punishable by imprisonment for three months and a fine of RO600 in addition to the confiscation of such donation,” the statement said.