Zakat Shariah Advisory Committee established and members appointed

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has established the "Shariah Advisory Committee" under the Zakat Act and appointed its members yesterday.

The Maldives Zakat House stated that the President formed the five-member committee, based on the advice of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, to provide Shariah legal advice and guidance to those implementing the Zakat Act regarding the formulation and operation of the Zakat system in the Maldives.

According to the Zakat Act, members appointed to the Shariah Advisory Committee must hold at least a Level 9 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework in a relevant field of Islamic Shariah, and must also possess a permit issued by the Ministry to deliver religious sermons and provide religious counsel.

Zakat House noted that the creation of the Shariah Advisory Committee is a significant step toward strengthening Shariah governance, transparency, and adherence to Shariah principles in managing Zakat affairs in the Maldives, in accordance with the objectives of the Zakat Act.

The Maldives' first-ever Zakat Act came into effect on the first of last month. Following the implementation of this law, the national policy on Zakat, including the collection of Zakat and the distribution of Zakat assets and funds, will be determined by the President upon the advice of the Islamic Minister.

The Act also defines the responsibilities of the incumbent Islamic Minister regarding Zakat.