The government, for the first time, has decided to distribute Zakat al-Fitr equally to all those registered on the list of needy.
In that regard, each individual on the list will receive USD292 payout as Zakat al-Fitr.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed explained that the change was made in order to establish social justice and attain the true purpose of Zakat.
Prior to the decision, Zakat collections from each island were distributed to the list of the needy on that particular island. Minister Dr Shaheem had noted that the poor in some islands with small populations receive very little as Fitr Zakat.
However, this change for the first time in the country’s history will see all on the list of needy receive the same amount as Zakat al-Fitr.
The Zakat House last reviewed the list of people currently on the list of needy in December last year.
Zakat al-Fitr collections began with the start of Ramadan, reaching USD804,150 thus far, the Minister Dr Shaheem had said.
The current Administration has launched several initiatives to increase awareness and streamline Zakat distribution and collection systems in the country. The efforts have led to an increase in Zakat contributions in the past year.
Zakat House meanwhile, has said distribution of food staples collected as Zakat- al-Fitr will begin from Friday at the Iskandhar School in the capital Male’.
According to the Zakat House, the distribution of Zakat will take place from 2:00pm to 4:30pm and 9:30pm to 11:00pm on Friday. On Saturday, Zakat will be distributed from 10:00am to 12:00pm, 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
All on the official list of the poor and needy will be eligible for Zakat- al Fitr.
Zakat al-Fitr, obligatory for all Muslims, is intended for those in need of financial assistance after the Holy month of Ramadan. It is mandated in the second year of Hijra and applies to all members of the Muslim community, regardless of age or status. However, certain conditions must be met, including having enough funds to provide for dependents with food and basic essentials on the day and night of Eid.