By Alfred Zacharia
The Sixth Phase Government, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has launched a national initiative to educate religious leaders on tax compliance.
Spearheaded by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the program aims to foster a shared understanding of tax obligations, enabling these leaders to pass the knowledge to their congregations.
Voluntary tax compliance is a cornerstone of President Samia’s strategy to drive national development by encouraging citizens to fulfill their tax responsibilities willingly.
This initiative was underscored during a meeting between TRA Commissioner General Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda and the Mufti and Chief Sheikh of Tanzania, Dr. Sheikh Abubakar Ali Zubeir, at the headquarters of the Supreme Council of Muslims of Tanzania (BAKWATA) in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Mwenda emphasized the broader spiritual and developmental significance of taxation.
“Paying taxes is not just a civic duty—it’s an act of worship. Promoting tax compliance is akin to promoting spiritual values that directly contribute to the nation’s progress,” he said.
He highlighted the tangible benefits of tax revenue, including free education, the construction of hospitals, and the development of road infrastructure, as critical outcomes of taxpayers' contributions.
As part of the collaboration, TRA plans to partner with BAKWATA to provide structured training for religious leaders, equipping them to advocate for voluntary tax compliance among their followers.
In response, Mufti Dr. Zubeir expressed BAKWATA’s commitment to supporting TRA’s mission, noting the alignment of taxation with religious teachings.
He proposed collaborative planning sessions with TRA to design effective ways of educating worshippers, including through sermons and public outreach.
“This initiative is timely and aligns with our faith. Just as zakat is a fundamental tenet in Islam, paying taxes should be seen as a duty for all.
We are ready to mobilize our leaders and resources to ensure this message reaches every believer,” said the Mufti.
He also revealed plans to author a comprehensive book on tax matters, integrating both spiritual and practical perspectives to enhance understanding and compliance among worshippers.