New 10-Storey Zakat House Building to Be Developed in Hulhumale’, Minister Reveals

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has announced that the “Baithu-Zakat” building, a 10-storey structure under Zakat House, is set to be developed in Hulhumale’.

The minister expressed hope that construction would commence within the year. He further highlighted the establishment of an agency under Zakat House to ensure that zakat is distributed to the most deserving beneficiaries. The new building will serve as the headquarters for the Zakat office and offer office space for rent.

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The minister stated that the building would represent the first investment for the Zakat Fund, with 10 floors dedicated to office rentals, in addition to housing the Zakat office. Revenue generated from the rental income will be allocated to zakat beneficiaries.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has made strengthening the zakat system in the Maldives a key pledge, and to fulfil this commitment, Zakat House was established on 18 December 2023.

Minister Shaheem also noted that last year saw the highest-ever collection of zakat on real estate in the country’s history, with the Zakat Fund receiving over MVR 101 million. Previously, zakat was managed by a special department within the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, but with the formation of Zakat House, it now operates as a separate entity.

The responsibilities of Zakat House include the development and promotion of the Zakat Fund, as well as establishing investment standards to ensure long-term benefits. Minister Shaheem acknowledged that, in the past, zakat funds were used without clear policies or systematic considerations. The agency aims to provide a structured and sustainable approach moving forward.