Minister Shaheem publicized bank details of a woman alleging denial of Zakat Funds

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem today responded to claims made by a woman alleging that the Islamic Ministry denied her Zakat funds, despite her being a single mother caring for five children, one of whom is ill, because of the money circulating in her bank account.

Minister Shaheem subsequently publicized the individual's bank details on social media.

The complaint regarding the denial of Zakat assistance was raised by a woman named Aishath during a meeting held last night between President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the residents of Vilimale. Minister Shaheem was also present at the meeting.

During the open forum, Aishath stated that she has been caring for five children under very difficult circumstances and only recently secured a job six months ago. She revealed extensive details about her family's poor financial situation.

In a post on Facebook today, along with a video clip of her speaking, Minister Shaheem stated that the Zakat House had provided her with MVR 15,500 last September after she requested aid. The Minister added in his post that she does not qualify for the destitute list because, as a recipient of the single-mother allowance and a working individual, her combined monthly income totals MVR 22,000.

"Furthermore, a small portion of the information provided by the Maldives Zakat House, based on the investigation into this individual's case, indicates that she has MVR 75,000 in her bank account," Shaheem wrote in the post.

However, the Minister did not disclose the method used to obtain the amount of money held in the individual's personal bank account.