Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced the rates for this year’s Zakat al-Fitr.
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 2.4 kilograms of wheat flour, rice, or other staple food, per member of the household. For residents of Male', the rates of Zakat range from USD 0.78 to USD 8.08, depending on the type of wheat flour or rice used.
The Islamic Ministry revealed Zakat payments will be collected from April 13 until May 14. The ministry stated online payments will be accepted through Ooredoo, Dhiraagu, Bank of Maldives (BML), Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) and the Fahi Pay application. Payments can also be made in cash at the Islamic Ministry in Male’, and at the respective local councils in the atolls.
The Islamic Ministry stated it is currently forming the registry of the poor for Zakat distribution. A temporary list of the poor in Male’ has been published and opened for complaints until April 15. Meanwhile, the list of poor in the atolls will be finalised within the next 10 days, according to the ministry.
Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan. Recipients of Zakat al-Fitr are the poor and those in need.