Third International Zakat Conference begins in Maldives

The International Zakat Conference, Inzek 2026, organized by Maldives Zakat House, has begun. This is the third year the conference is being held. The annual conference aims to discuss the role of zakat in addressing challenges arising from financial and social vulnerabilities and in building resilient communities. Scholars, economic experts, entities managing zakat affairs, policymakers, financial institutions, representatives of civil society organizations, and other relevant parties are meeting to conduct important consultations. The slogan for this year’s conference is “Resilient Foundations: Dispersing Vulnerability, Economic Impact, and Collaborative Safety Nets in Modern Societies.” Maldives Zakat House stated that this year’s conference will discuss measures to be taken by institutions, the zakat house, the private sector, and civil society in light of the causes and characteristics of poverty in modern society. Keynote addresses and panel discussions involving experienced individuals from various fields will take place. Three notable figures in the field of zakat are scheduled to deliver keynote speeches: Professor Amir Bin Shahruddin, Director of the Center of Excellence Islamic Social Finance at INSEIF University; Dr. Fuad bin Jaafar, Associate Professor at the Institute of Islamic Social Finance and Wealth Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM); and Yusuf bin Ahmad, Deputy Chief Distribution Officer of the Zakat Board of Kedah State, Malaysia. Topics to be discussed include changing circumstances affecting the vulnerability of households, economic impacts due to financial hardship, information sharing among various sectors, integrated safety net systems, and models used in foreign countries to transform vulnerable families into financially independent entities. At the opening ceremony, Director General of the Zakat House, Sheikh Imthiyaz Abbas, stated that living standards of citizens have changed over time, and the meaning of poverty and ways in which different families fall into poverty have diversified. He also highlighted that the impact of various financial challenges is very significant on middle-income families in terms of income. “By examining various international experiences and looking at how different programs to eradicate poverty can be utilized in the Maldives to eradicate poverty, religious scholars, policy makers, zakat administrators, and other experts, if God wills, will provide very interesting and scientific information,” Imthiyaz said. The strategic plan of the Zakat House was officially launched at the conference. Commissioner General of Taxation Fatima Ameera graced the event and launched the plan. While many efforts are underway to strengthen the zakat sector, the first law on zakat was approved last December. Additionally, the Zakat House has been established to expand zakat activities. The Zakat Fund provides substantial assistance to families and individuals in need across many important areas including healthcare, education, and others.