Online Contributions Drive Over USD 194,000 Into National Waqf Fund

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has announced that the National Waqf Fund has received over USD 194,000 since the start of the year. These contributions were made via dedicated online links established on the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) website, facilitating easier access for cash Waqf and charitable donations. Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, confirmed that the funds are being utilized strictly according to the Waqf Fund’s Trust Statement and governing regulations. The digital payment system, launched last year to align the fund's growth with Islamic Sharia, has already demonstrated significant effectiveness in gathering resources from diverse donors. According to Minister Shaheem, these contributions are vital for supporting religious activities and Islamic education. The funds are also directed toward the construction and preservation of mosques and efforts to safeguard religious unity throughout the Maldivian archipelago. The Waqf Fund is designed to promote Islamic values and accepts a variety of contributions, including Sadaqah, Khairat, donations, and bequests. To complement cash donations, a separate mechanism manages non-cash endowments. This system ensures transparency and adheres to Sharia-compliant investment principles, aiming to generate sustainable long-term returns for the fund. Describing this initiative as the most significant reform in the fund's 15-year history, the Minister emphasized that contributions from Maldivian citizens, foreign entities, and domestic and international businesses will remain securely deposited until they are required for the specific purposes outlined in the trust statement. This modernization of the fund represents a strategic shift toward digital transparency and financial sustainability in the administration of religious endowments in the Maldives.