Maldives Zakat Act Praised as Among Most Comprehensive Globally

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has described the Maldives’ Zakat Act as one of the most comprehensive frameworks for zakat administration in the Islamic world, pointing to enhanced public trust and record-high contributions in recent years.

The Minister made the comments during an interview on state media, reflecting on reforms introduced to modernise the zakat system. He highlighted the establishment of the Maldives Zakat House as a pivotal step in fulfilling a key electoral pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Minister Dr Shaheem explained that the Zakat House serves as a central institution for efficient collection and distribution of zakat, with the supporting legislation, passed by the People’s Majlis and ratified by the President, developed in alignment with modern administrative standards and scholarly research.

Since its introduction, the Zakat House has contributed to increased public confidence, evidenced by record levels of contributions recorded in 2024 and 2025. The Minister attributed this growth to transparent mechanisms that ensure funds are managed responsibly and disbursed effectively.

He further assured that robust procedures are in place to guarantee contributions reach eligible recipients through structured and accountable channels. Ongoing improvements under the current administration emphasise documentation, transparency, and clear guidelines for both collection and expenditure processes.