Physical Fitr Zakat Collection Begins at Islamic Centre and Atoll Councils
Photo: Maldives Zakat House
Cash and card collection of Fitr Zakat began today, targeting individuals unfamiliar with making payments online, with counters set up at the Islamic Centre Conference Hall in Malé, the Maldives Zakat Council said.
Zakat Council shared that in the capital, Zakat will be collected beginning today to 9 March between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on working days. From 10 March to 19 March, collections will take place daily except Fridays and Saturdays, between 11:00 am and 2:00.
In the atolls, residents who are not accustomed to online payments can pay Fitr Zakat at their respective local council offices. Councils will use a specially developed “Fitr Portal” to accept payments in cash or grain.
When members of the public make payments at council offices or the Islamic Centre, authorised staff will immediately record the transaction in the portal. Upon completion, payers will receive an instant SMS confirming the amount paid as Fitr Zakat. Any additional amount paid as Sadaqah will also be detailed in the message.
Although physical collection began today, the Maldives Zakat House has accepted online Fitr Zakat payments since the first day of Ramadan. This year, arrangements have been made to facilitate payments through seven digital platforms.
Fitr Zakat can be paid via the Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun Plc mobile app and Dhiraagu Pay website, Ooredoo Maldives m-Faisaa app, the Maldives Islamic Bank mobile app, the Bank of Maldives mobile app, FahiPay, Avas Mobile app and the Bandeyri Pay website.
Authorities stated that payments through Bandeyri Pay and FahiPay will remain open until the last day of Ramadan, while other platforms will accept payments until 06:00 on the 27th day of Ramadan.
The Fitr Zakat rates for this Ramadan have been set as follows: MVR 12 for regular rice, MVR 53 for Thailand white rice, MVR 96 for red rice, MVR 77 for regular basmati rice, MVR 109 for premium basmati rice, MVR 136 for super premium basmati rice, MVR 10 for regular flour and MVR 75 for atta flour.
