The first Zakat Council Meeting was held today under the leadership of the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, following the ratification and implementation of the Zakat Act.
The meeting focused on operationalising the Maldives Zakat House (MZH) in accordance with the stipulations of the Zakat Act, with discussions centred on ensuring effective implementation within the legal and Shariah framework established under the Act.
The Zakat Council is a specialized body composed of nine members representing various religious and financial institutions. The council’s membership includes the Minister of Islamic Affairs, a Director-General, from high-level representatives from key authorities; one member appointed by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), one from the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), and one representative nominated from the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa. Additionally, the Council comprises one senior official designated by the Minister from within the Ministry, and two Zakat experts appointed by the President, who must not be employees of any government institution. The primary responsibility of the Zakat Council is to provide essential counsel and strategic guidance to the 'Maldives Zakat House' in the administrative management and oversight of the national Zakat system.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the national zakat system and ensuring that zakat administration in the Maldives is carried out in line with Shariah principles and the objectives of the Zakat Act.
