Parliament accepts Zakat Bill

Parliament has today voted to accept the Zakat Bill submitted on behalf of the government. The bill aims to establish a legal framework within which the zakat funds will be collected and disbursed.

The bill was submitted by Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed. It was accepted through the unanimous votes of the 72 MPs present in today's sitting. The bill has now been forwarded to the committee for review.

As per the bill, Maldivians who live in the country who have their property in the country or abroad, as well as those living abroad who have their property in the country must pay Zakat.

The bill also states that within two months of ratification, the President must form a Zakat Council which will act as an advisory body over the Minister and Zakat House in matters relating to Zakat, and monitor Zakat operations.

The Minister, Director General, and a member appointed from amongst senior officials of the MMA must sit on the council. The council must also have a member from the Centre for Holy Quran, Finance Ministry, Fatwa Council, Islamic Ministry and two independent Zakat experts.

The bill also calls for the establishment of a Shariah Advisory Committee. The work of this committee is under the Zakat House.

The bill also defines how the Zakat Fund will be managed, and the ways in which the fund can be used.

A fine of between MVR 1000 and MVR 100,000 is set for issuing Zakat to an ineligible recipient or for investing or issuing funds for any unauthorized purposes.