Maldives Islamic Minister Calls for Strengthened Zakat Governance at INZEC 2026

In a message delivered to the opening ceremony of INZEC 2026, the International Zakat Conference, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Shari’ah Dr. Mohamed Shahim Ali Saeed called for strengthening Zakat governance, increasing institutional accountability, and boosting international support. The Minister, who was unable to attend the conference due to an official trip abroad, had his remarks conveyed by Aasia Saleeh, Assistant Zakat Officer at the Maldives Zakat House. He emphasized that Zakat is not only a religious financial obligation but also a powerful Islamic resource for protecting the dignity of vulnerable communities, reducing economic gaps, and strengthening social cohesion. Highlighting the government’s efforts, Minister Shahim noted that the establishment of the Maldives Zakat House and the approval of the Zakat Act are key achievements in building a responsible Zakat system aligned with Islamic Shariah. He stressed that ensuring Zakat reaches its rightful recipients in a complete and fair manner remains a fundamental priority, and described Zakat funds as a trust to be managed with sincerity, purity, and responsibility. The Minister called for strengthening international support through information exchange among scholars, Zakat institutions, and relevant parties, and for adopting successful practices in Zakat management. He expressed hope that INZEC would become a sustained international conference for technical expertise exchange and collaboration. Concluding, he thanked the Maldives Zakat House and all participants, wishing that INZEC 2026 would significantly contribute to sustainable Islamic social development.