Zakat Made Legally Mandatory as New Law Takes Effect; Maldives Zakat House Established

Zakat, the Islamic practice of charitable giving, has been made legally mandatory in the Maldives as the new Zakat Act came into force on Thursday. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially established the Maldives Zakat House under the new legislation. The Zakat House, initially established by President Muizzu on December 18, 2024, via a presidential decree, replaces the previous entity operating under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The new law provides a structured framework for the collection and distribution of zakat, aiming to fulfill its religious purpose. The Zakat Act, passed by Parliament and ratified by the President on December 6, 2025, criminalizes certain offenses, including collecting zakat from ineligible individuals or assets and unfair distribution or investment of zakat funds. Penalties for these offenses range from MVR 1,000 to MVR 100,000. The Maldives Zakat House oversees zakat collection, administrative tasks, management of eligible recipients, and ensuring convenient payment methods.