10/28/2018 Syria (International Christian Concern) –  According to an article by the Arab Weekly, a proposal known as Law #16 was introduced in Syria which would give unprecedented powers to the Awqaf, or the Ministry of Religious Endowments.

The law, which has not yet been enacted, would allegedly give the ministry complete financial independence. With this independence, the law states that the ministry can establish sharia schools, religious youth teams, and give the ministry the right to collect the zakat. The zakat is a mandatory charity tax for Muslims which, if incorporated into the Awqaf, would transform the zakat into an obligatory government tax.

Syria is a Tier 1 country listed by the United States Commission on Religious Freedom and rates number 15 on Open Doors Watch List, which lists Islamic oppression as the primary driver of persecution. The country remains embroiled in a civil war which has been ongoing since 2011. While many Christians have left, the church has grown significantly among Muslim Background Believers.

For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].