The Parliament of the Maldives has passed the Zakat Bill, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening and modernising the country’s zakat administration system. The bill, submitted by Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed on behalf of the Government, was approved with 63 votes in favour.

The legislation seeks to establish a comprehensive and transparent framework for the collection and distribution of zakat, aligning national practices with international standards while upholding Islamic principles. In drafting the bill, comparative studies were conducted on zakat systems in Malaysia, Kuwait, the UAE and Egypt, countries recognised for their advanced zakat governance structures.

The bill forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader efforts to enhance the management of Islamic social finance. The Administration established a dedicated institution, Maldives Zakat House, to centralise zakat administration and raise public awareness. The new law is expected to further consolidate these functions and formalise governance structures.

Under the bill, a Zakat Council will be formed within 60 days of the law coming into force. The nine-member council will advise the Minister responsible for zakat administration and oversee the Maldives Zakat House. It will include the Minister, the Director General of the Zakat House, and two members appointed by the President, among other representatives prescribed in the legislation.