Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced the collection of Zakat al-Fitr in the form of staple food will begin this week.
The Islamic ministry stated similar to previous years, it will carry out the collection of Zakat al-Fitr in the form of staple food during this year’s Ramadan as well. As such, the ministry said collection of staple food for Zakat will begin on April 21. Staple food accepted as Zakat are normal rice, Thailand rice, Basmati rice, brown rice, wheat flour and Atta flour.
The Islamic ministry said collection of staple food for Zakat will be carried out in Male’ at the Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE). Zakat collection will be carried out from 1000hrs-1200hrs, 1300hrs-1430hrs and 2100hrs-2130hrs, on all days except Fridays.
Zakat al-Fitr is collected during the month of Ramadan every year, to be distributed among the poor. Zakat al-Fitr can be paid by food, cash or online transactions. The minimum amount due is the equivalent of 2.4 kilograms of wheat flour, rice, or other staple food, per member of the household. For residents of Male', the rates of Zakat range from USD 0.78 to USD 8.08, depending on the type of wheat flour or rice used.
The Islamic ministry has been accepting Zakat al-Fitr since the first day of Ramadan. Collection of Zakat is carried out at the halls of the Islamic Centre for elderly people and those who prefer to pay Zakat physically. As such, the ministry accepts Zakat from 1000hrs to 1300hrs every day from the Islamic Centre Hall.
Meanwhile, online payment arrangements have been made via DhiraaguPay, Ooredoo mFaisaa, Faisa Mobile of Maldives Islamic Bank, Bank of Maldives Portal, and Fahi Pay. Zakat payments can be made online until April 29. However, Zakat can be paid through the ministry counters and Bandeyri Portal until the last day of Ramadan.
Zakat al-Fitr will be distributed from the 29th day of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr will be given to those on the list of the poor. This year's list of the poor includes 8,984 people.