Government’s Zakat Bill Aims to End Poverty and Promote Social Prosperity
Maldivian citizens are fulfilling their zakat obligations | Photo: Islamic Ministry
Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said the government’s proposed zakat bill, once enacted, will eradicate poverty in the Maldives and foster social prosperity through a modern, Sharia-compliant framework for collecting and distributing zakat.
The bill, sponsored by Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed, was submitted to Parliament on Monday and accepted with a unanimous vote of 72 members on Wednesday. It has now been referred to the Social Affairs Committee for review.
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According to the government, the legislation seeks to ensure the proper utilisation of the zakat fund and create a legal framework for its management. The proposed system draws on international best practices, taking examples from Malaysia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, where zakat is administered within a structured legal framework.
Under the bill, a nine-member Zakat Council will be established within two months of enactment. The council will include the Islamic Minister, a director general, and representatives from the Maldives Monetary Authority, the Centre for Holy Quran, the Finance Ministry, the Fatwa Council, the Islamic Ministry, and two zakat experts.
