Zakat House collects MVR 7.59M as Zakat al-Mal in May; MVR 2.7M disbursed as financial aid

The Maldives Zakat House states MVR 7.59 million has been collected as Zakat al-Mal during May this year, while MVR 2.7 million from the Zakat Fund has been utilized to support various financial aid programs and initiatives.

According to statistics released by the Maldives Zakat House, a total of MVR 7,587,956.14 was collected as Zakat al-Mal in May. During the same period, MVR 2,685,834.30 was distributed as financial support for various purposes.

Zakat collections recorded a substantial increase compared with the corresponding period last year. While MVR 4.33 million was collected in May 2023, this year's total of MVR 7.59 million represents a 75.3 per cent increase. The rise reflects growing public awareness of the importance of Zakat, as well as increasing confidence in fulfilling the obligation through the national Zakat system.

The largest share of the funds disbursed in May was allocated to assistance for the poor and destitute, amounting to MVR 1,483,960.50. Of this, MVR 1,452,960.50 was provided for medical assistance, while MVR 31,000.00 was allocated to cover essential living expenses. Medical assistance alone accounted for approximately three-quarters of the total amount disbursed during the month.

In addition, MVR 1,037,236.42 was allocated under the Fi Sabilillah (in the caise of Allah) category, which supports religious and educational initiatives. This included MVR 753,239.02 for Quran memorisation programs, MVR 246,989.40 for the translation of Islamic literature, and MVR 37,008.00 to support higher education.

The figures are based on records from the Finance Ministry's SAP system. The Maldives Zakat House noted that the statistics remain subject to revision as additional information becomes available.