Maldives Zakat House Begins Collection of Zakat Al-Fitr for Ramadan

The Maldives Zakat House has commenced the collection of Zakat al-Fitr for Ramadan this year, providing both digital and in-person payment options to encourage wider public participation.

The collection period for online payments begins on the first day of Ramadan and will continue until 6:00 a.m. on the 27th day of Ramadan.

Zakat al-Fitr can be paid through seven digital platforms this year. These include the Dhiraagu App and Dhiraagu Pay website operated by Dhiraagu, the m-Faisaa application by Ooredoo Maldives, the website of Maldives Islamic Bank, the mobile banking application of Bank of Maldives, as well as FahiPay, the Avas app and Bandeyri Pay. Payments via Bandeyri Pay and FahiPay will be accepted until the final day of Ramadan.

For elderly individuals and those unfamiliar with digital transactions, Zakat House has arranged for in-person payments at the Islamic Centre in Malé. Collections will be accepted at designated counters from 22 February to 9 March between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., excluding public holidays.

From 10 March to 19 March, payments will be accepted between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., excluding Fridays and Saturdays. Island and city councils across the atolls will also facilitate the acceptance of Zakat in cash.

The payable amount of Zakat al-Fitr varies depending on staple food categories, including ordinary flour, Thai white flour, red flour and different grades of basmati flour. The official rates have been announced by Zakat House.

Zakat al-Fitr is a compulsory charitable contribution given at the end of Ramadan to registered beneficiaries classified as poor. The obligation was established in the second year of Hijra, the same year in which fasting during Ramadan was made compulsory.