The Public Prosecution has cautioned people against collecting funds from the public under the name of zakat, sadaqah or for any other purpose. 

It said that collecting funds without proper permission is an offence. The cautionary notice comes in light of the beginning of 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 offence,’ Public Prosecution said in a statement. 

It added that the offence can invite a jail term and fine.  ‘The offence is punishable by imprisonment for three months and a fine of RO600 in addition to the confiscation of such donation,’ the  statement added.