The Maldives Zakat House has officially launched the Zakat Asnaf Card, a new digital initiative aimed at improving the delivery of Zakat-funded assistance through a more efficient, transparent and dignified system.

The card was inaugurated today by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Introduced exclusively for individuals registered in the national registry of the poor and needy, the Asnaf Card marks a significant milestone in the Maldives Zakat House’s efforts to modernise and digitalise Zakat services. Eligible beneficiaries will be able to access assistance programmes provided by the Zakat House, with additional services planned for future implementation.

The card removes the need for beneficiaries to repeatedly submit basic documentation when applying for aid. Instead, services can be accessed instantly through a single scan, significantly reducing administrative processes and improving service delivery.

Powered by QR code technology, the Asnaf Card is linked to each beneficiary’s verified digital profile within the Zakat assistance system. This enables service providers to quickly confirm eligibility, ensuring that Zakat assistance is distributed efficiently, transparently and only to rightful recipients.

The initiative is part of the broader Beneficiary Identification Card System proposed by the Maldives Zakat House, which aims to integrate all Zakat-funded assistance programmes under a unified digital framework aligned with Shariah principles.

The launch represents the first phase of the Zakat House’s digital transformation journey. Future plans include the integration of comprehensive digital records and the introduction of a mobile application to further enhance access to services.

The Ministry stated that these developments are expected to strengthen accountability, prevent duplication of assistance and support data-driven decision-making in Zakat distribution. The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the national Zakat system under the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, following the establishment of the Maldives Zakat House as a dedicated institution for managing and distributing Zakat.