Zakat Collections In First Two Weeks of Ramadan Nearly Double Since 2023, Ministry Reports

Zakat Al-Fitr collections in the Maldives have seen a sharp rise over the past four years, with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs reporting that contributions during the first 15 days of Ramadan in 2026 have nearly doubled compared to 2023.

Data from the Maldives Zakat House and the Ministry show that MVR 5,482,171 was collected in the first half of Ramadan this year, up from MVR 2,794,579 in 2023. 

While collections dipped slightly in 2024 to MVR 2,626,587, the trend over the past two years has been sharply upward, signaling growing community engagement in charitable giving during Ramadan. 

#FitrZakat #MaldivesZakatHouse #ZakatHouseMV #ZakatMV #Zakat pic.twitter.com/zmdEeSGBSB— Maldives Zakat House (@ZakatHouseMv) March 8, 2026

Even comparing 2025 with this year, Zakat collections for the first two weeks of Ramadan have seen a 22.91% increase. In 2025, the Ministry reported a contribution of MVR 4,460,199, whilst this year the amount has increased to  MVR 5,482,171.00

In Malé, collection began on 22 February at counters established in the Islamic Center Conference Hall. The scheduled times for Zakat collection at these counters are:

• 22 February to 9 March: 10:00 to 13:00 every working day.
• 10 March to 19 March: 11:00 to 14:00 every day except Fridays and Saturdays.

Although cash and card payments at the counters began on 22 February, the Maldives Zakat House has been accepting Fitr Zakat online since the first day of Ramadan. This year, arrangements have been made to facilitate payments through seven online platforms:

• Dhiraagu Mobile App and Dhiraagu Pay
• Ooredoo m-Faisaa Mobile App
• Maldives Islamic Bank Mobile App
• Bank of Maldives Mobile App
• FahiPay Mobile App
• Avas Mobile App
• Bandeyri Pay website