The International Zakat Conference 2025 (INZEC 2025) has begun in Malé, at the Islamic Centre’s Conference Hall. Organised by the Zakat House of Maldives, the conference brings together participants to examine how zakat can promote social justice, encourage community participation, and strengthen social security through contemporary approaches.

The opening ceremony was led by Dr Aishath Muneeza, Associate Dean for Students and Internationalisation at the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance University in Malaysia. Attendees included the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, senior officials from the Zakat House and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, as well as representatives from the Islamic finance sector.

In her keynote address, Dr Muneeza underlined the value of international collaboration in strengthening zakat systems. She spoke of the progress achieved since the creation of the Maldives Zakat House and expressed gratitude to those who had contributed to the development of the sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director General of Zakat House, Izzuddin Adnan, said the conference had been designed to provide a platform for scholars and policymakers to engage in dialogue on zakat and Islamic finance. He explained that the sessions would also consider technological innovations and how they could be used to improve zakat Administration.

He noted that judicial issues concerning zakat distribution from modern income sources such as cryptocurrencies would be discussed. Participants would also explore how blockchain and artificial intelligence could be applied to resolve emerging challenges in the field.

The Director General added that the programme would examine the role of social finance tools, including microfinance, in complementing zakat to empower communities. He said this approach could help raise awareness of zakat’s role in sustainable poverty alleviation.

This year's conference has been organised to promote a zakat system that is both sustainable and responsive to present-day realities. Particular attention will be given to social engagement and digitisation in zakat-related matters, alongside discussions on the revenue potential of the digital economy and the management issues it presents.

This year’s gathering coincides with the introduction of a Zakat Bill in the Maldives, designed to strengthen zakat administration, ensure transparent and efficient fund use, and align national practices with international standards while adhering to Islamic principles. Once enacted, the law will provide a comprehensive legal framework, simplify access to housing, medical treatment, and other essential services for those below the poverty line, and allow the Zakat Fund to be managed flexibly to address changing needs, contributing to nationwide poverty alleviation.