New Zakat Act Comes Into Force, Establishing Maldives Zakat House

Zakat has been made legally mandatory in the Maldives following the enactment of the new Zakat Act, under which President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially established the Maldives Zakat House.

The Maldives Zakat House was initially set up by President Muizzu on 18 December 2024 through a presidential decree, shortly after he assumed office. Under the new legislation, the Zakat House that previously operated under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has been dissolved.

The Zakat Act provides a formal framework for the collection and distribution of zakat to fulfil the religious obligations prescribed in Islam. The legislation was passed by Parliament and ratified by the President on 6 December 2025.

The Act criminalises three offences: collecting zakat from someone not obligated to pay, collecting zakat from property or assets not subject to zakat, and unfair distribution or investment of zakat funds. All three offences carry fines ranging from MVR 1,000 to MVR 100,000.

The Maldives Zakat House is now responsible for collecting zakat, managing all administrative processes, maintaining a registry of individuals eligible for zakat, and ensuring convenient payment methods for the public.