MVR 8,000 per Person as Fitr Zakat in Malé City

In Malé City, MVR 8,000 will be given to each person who falls under the poverty line. The distribution started yesterday.

Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said that historically, Fitr Zakat has been distributed in the Maldives based on what is available on each island to support its poor people.

"If there are no poor people on the island, the Zakat will be given to the nearest island’s poor people," he said.

Shaheem mentioned that there has been an increase in the amount of Fitr Zakat allocated to Malé City this year.

"MVR 8,000 will be given to each person declared poor in the city as Fitr Zakat. The money will be credited directly to the person's account," he said.

Shaheem also highlighted that Fitr Zakat will aid the families of those whose spouses and children have fallen into poverty due to various reasons, including incarceration. He added that individuals residing in children's shelters and special needs centers will also receive Fitr Zakat.

The latest statistics released by Maldives Zakat House, the new agency established by the government to oversee Zakat, showed that MVR 4.5 million has been received as Fitr Zakat during the first 20 days of the fasting month.

Zakat was also accepted in the form of grain in Malé City. It has been decided that the distribution of Zakat, which commenced yesterday, will continue today. The distribution of Zakat to those registered under the category of poor and needy in the city will be held from 11 am to 3.30 pm at Aminiya School hall today, and from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm.

There are approximately 8,000 people in the poverty and needy category.