The government of Maldives has granted scholarships to 31 students from Zakat Fund. The scholarships were presented to the students by Minister of Finance and Treasury Ahmed Munawar, Minister of Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Ziyad and President of Centre for Holy Quran Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa.
Addressing the ceremony, the Islamic minister highlighted the development brought to the society since the establishment of the Zakat Fund.
Meanwhile, the finance minister noted the importance of Zakat al-Mal in enhancing the economy of the country. Highlighting the criticism as income tax is not taken in Maldives; the finance Minister said it is also important to focus on one Islamic principle Zakat al-Mal. The minister expressed the number of Zakat al-Mal has increased within the past five years adding people are more aware now.
At a ceremony, scholarships were granted in five categories including 14 scholarships from Islamic education, 3 scholarships from business and technology, 2 scholarships from engineering, 1 scholarship from law and 11 scholarships from health studies.