Ministry of Islamic Affairs revealed on Sunday night that they have collected over MVR 2.3 million as Zakat al-Fitr payments in the Greater Male' region alone, thus far.
According to the ministry, a total of 50,783 individuals have paid the annual Zakat al-Fitr.
This year, Zakat al-Fitr collection will continue until the 29th day of Ramadan. People living in capital Male' City can pay their donations at the Islamic Ministry, while residents of reclaimed suburb Hulhumale' are to make payments at the community centre.
Zakat al-Fitr collection commences every morning at 0900 hrs and continues till 1300 hrs on working days.
The monetary equivalent of 2.4 kilograms of the type of staple food eaten most frequently by the individual over the year, must be donated as Zakat al-Fitr.
- Normal rice: MVR 15
- Thailand white rice: MVR 45
- Basmati rice: MVR 95
- Red rice: MVR 75
- Normal flour: MVR 15
- Atta flour: MVR 60
The amounts allocated for Zakat al-Fitr in other parts of Maldives are decided by the respective island councils, as the prices at which staple foods are sold may vary from the prices in the Greater Male' region.
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.