The Director General of the Maldives Zakat House, Sheikh Izzaddeen Adnan, has highlighted ongoing efforts to expand services and strengthen the Zakat system under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Speaking on MMTV Bodu Khabaru programme, Izzaddheen shared key achievements and outlined future plans aimed at enhancing the efficiency and impact of Zakat distribution in the Maldives.

One of the major milestones mentioned by Izzaddeen was the record-breaking collection of MVR 98.6 million for the Zakat Fund in 2024, the highest amount ever recorded in the history of Maldives.

Looking ahead, the Zakat House aims to raise more than MVR 100 million to further expand its reach and support a greater number of beneficiaries.

Speaking about recent expansion projects, Izzaddeen noted that the Zakat House has broadened its assistance to cover medical treatment and education, with a particular focus on patients requiring treatment abroad. Priority is given to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those suffering from severe illnesses such as cancer or in need of organ transplants.

Aid is categorised into four levels, with life-threatening diseases receiving the highest support. While the standard aid limit is MVR 30,000, exceptions can be made by the Advisory Committee.

In addition to healthcare, Izzaddeen noted that the Zakat Fund also aims to empower individuals through education. A new policy will offer financial support for low-income individuals to pursue studies ranging from diplomas to PhDs. Those who have not completed their courses will also receive assistance, with a focus on building expertise in fields that contribute to the country’s development.

To raise awareness about Zakat and its significance, 52 lectures were delivered nationwide in 2024, along with awareness campaigns conducted in schools and on social media platforms.

Izzaddeen also revealed that the Advisory Committee has researched and recommended investment policies in other countries to enhance the profitability of the Zakat Fund. Among these recommendations is the provision of essential resources to farmers to ensure their long-term profitability.

A key objective of the Zakat House, as highlighted by Izzaddeen, is to reduce long-term reliance on Zakat assistance by empowering low-income individuals and orphans, enabling them to transition from being recipients to becoming active contributors to society.