Ministry of Islamic Affairs, on Saturday, revealed that more than MVR 2.5 million was collected as Zakat al-Fitr payments.
According to statistics publicized by the ministry, MVR 2,579,857 was collected as Zakat al-Fitr from the capital city of Male' by May 9 or the 16th day of Ramadan.
The figure represents an MVR 304,392 increase compared to the amount collected in the same period last year.
In 2019, the Islamic Ministry collected a total of MVR 5.6 million in Zakat al-Fitr payments. During 2017 and 2018, MVR 4,452,975 and MVR 4,487,804 were collected respectively.
Following the closure of government offices as part of the lockdown measures on the capital city in response to the local COVID-19 outbreak, the ministry is accepting 'Zakat' via its online portal.
Individuals can utilise one of the following options to make Zakat al-Fitr payments:
- Dhiraagu Pay and Lifestyle Application and SMS
- Ooredoo m-Faisaa application and SMS
- Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB)'s FaisaNet and FaisaMobile
- Bank of Maldives (BML) website
Zakat al-Fitr refers to a charity taken for those in need, collected a few days before fasting in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan ends. For people of means, it is a mandatory donation in Maldives, as with most Islamic nations.
A total of MVR 8,764 people are registered as living below the nation's poverty line, with 1,717 residing in the capital. These individuals are unemployed or earning equal to or less than MVR 74 (approximately USD 4.8) per day.
Sign In