Maldives will donate USD32,425 from Zakat al-Fitr donations to the Palestinian children suffering in Gaza, the government has said.
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 said the USD292 has now been distributed to all on the list of needy.
In addition, the government has decided to donate USD32,425 from this year’s Zakat al-Fitr collections to the children of Gaza, Minister Dr Shaheem revealed.
Prior to the police change, 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 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 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.