Ministry of Islamic Affairs has received over USD51,700 as Zakat-ul-Fitr from the capital, Male' City, during the first days of Ramadan this year. The amount of Zakat received during this year is less than the amount collected last year in the same period, according to statistics released by the ministry.
The Islamic ministry has been accepting Zakat al-Fitr since the first day of Ramadan. A total of 19,523 people have paid Zakat so far which amounts to USD51,700. A total of 4,956 people have made payments through the accounts of the Islamic ministry so far and Zakat payments were made online by 14,567 people. The Islamic ministry has stated Zakat will also be accepted from the halls of the Islamic Centre for elderly people and those who prefer to pay Zakat physically. As such, the ministry will accept Zakat from 1000hrs to 1300hrs every day from the Islamic Centre Hall.
Meanwhile, online payment arrangements have been made via DhiraaguPay, Ooredoo mFaisaa, Faisa Mobile of Maldives Islamic Bank, Bank of Maldives Portal, and Fahi Pay. Zakat payments can be made online until April 29. However, Zakat can be paid through the ministry counters and Bandeyri Portal until the last day of Ramadan. Zakat will be accepted from the ministry counters and Bandeyri Portal until 1800hrs on the last day of Ramadan.
Zakat al-Fitr will be distributed from the 29th day of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr will be given to those on the list of the poor. This year's list of the poor includes 8,984 people. The list of the poor was updated before the start of Ramadan. Last year, 7,778 people were listed as poor and needy.