Maldives Zakat House has reported that MVR 1.37 million was received as Zakat al-Fitr during the first seven days of Ramadan. As in previous years, the collection of Zakat began on the first day of the holy month.

This year, payments can be made online through seven platforms. Arrangements have also been put in place for contributions to be made in person at the Islamic Centre and at respective City and Island Councils nationwide.

Councils are utilising a specially developed Fitr Portal to process payments made in cash or as food items. Transactions are recorded in real time by authorised staff, and contributors receive an SMS confirmation immediately after payment, specifying the amount paid as Zakat al-Fitr. Any additional Sadaqah contributions are also reflected in the message.

Last Ramadan saw Zakat al-Fitr contributions reach a record MVR 13.2 million. It also marked the first time that Zakat al-Fitr funds were distributed equally among all registered recipients in the national low-income registry. Each eligible individual received MVR 4,500, in line with the Government’s policy of ensuring equitable distribution of Zakat funds.