The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has begun the collection of wheat flour, rice and other staple food as Zakat al-Fitr during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Islamic ministry will be collecting Zakat Al-Fitr payments until April 20. Zakat al-Fitr is collected during the month of Ramadan every year, to be distributed among the poor. The minimum amount due is the equivalent of 2.4kg of wheat flour, rice, or other staple food, per member of the household. The rates of Zakat range from USD0.78 to USD8.12 in Male' City, depending on the type of wheat flour or rice used by residents.
Local councils are accepting Zakat Al-Fitr payments in the atolls while the Islamic ministry is accepting payments online and via the desk established at the ministry’s hall. The food staple payments will be accepted from 1000-1200hrs, 1300-1515hrs and 2100-2230hrs every day except Friday.
The Islamic ministry also said that Zakat Al-Fitr payments will be accepted in cash form. Cash payments will be accepted from 0930-1300hrs on non-official holidays. The ministry added that it will begin accepting payments for food in the last few days of Ramadan.