Maldives Zakat House Launches Asnaf Card to Streamline Assistance Programmes

The Maldives Zakat House has officially launched the Zakat Asnaf Card, a beneficiary identification card designed to enhance efficiency, dignity, and accessibility in the delivery of zakat-funded assistance programmes.

The launching ceremony was held today at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and was officiated by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.

According to the Zakat House, the card removes the need for beneficiaries to repeatedly submit basic documentation when applying for assistance. Instead, services can be accessed instantly through a single card and a single scan, reducing processing time and administrative burden while improving the overall user experience.

The Asnaf Card will be available to individuals registered in the national Registry of the Poor and Needy.

“Through the Asnaf Card, eligible beneficiaries will be able to conveniently access a wide range of services provided by the Maldives Zakat House and various additional programs planned for implementation in the future,” the Zakat House said.

Equipped with QR code technology, the card links directly to the beneficiary’s verified profile within the zakat assistance system. This allows service providers to quickly confirm eligibility and deliver support efficiently, ensuring assistance reaches rightful recipients with speed, transparency, and dignity.

The card forms part of a broader Beneficiary Identification Card System proposed by the Maldives Zakat House, aiming to integrate all assistance programmes under a unified, Shariah-compliant digital ecosystem, the organisation said.

The launch of the Asnaf Card represents the first phase of the Zakat House’s long-term digital transformation. The system is planned to incorporate digital record linkage and mobile application integration in the future, strengthening accountability, preventing duplication, and enabling data-driven decision-making in zakat distribution.

The Asnaf Card reflects the Maldives Zakat House’s ongoing commitment to upholding justice, transparency, and compassion in managing and distributing zakat, while using technology to better serve the poor and needy across the Maldives.