The government has proposed a draft law designed to regulate the collection, distribution, and management of zakat in the Maldives.
The proposed new Zakat Law was introduced to the Parliament during its sitting on Monday before it was moved to the relevant parliamentary committee for review. The unprecedented draft law has been designed with the aim of creating a legal framework relating to Zakat collection, distribution and management and to specify the types of Zakat payable under law. The law also aims to lay down rules related to the distribution and use of zakat properties and funds.
Under this Act, the President shall determine the national policy on Zakat on the advice of the Minister of Islamic Affairs, including the collection and distribution of Zakat property and funds. It also defines the responsibilities of the then Minister of Islamic Affairs in relation to Zakat which includes publicising Zakat policies, providing general guidance and advice to law enforcement and State agencies.
The Zakat Bill mandates the President to constitute a council called the Zakat Council within 60 days of law coming into effect which will function as an oversight body for Zakat management along with providing advice to the Zakat House and Minister. The Council will consist of nine members including the Minister, the Director General of Maldives Zakat House and two members appointed by the President.
Once the law comes into effect a government agency called the Maldives Zakat House will be established to be operated under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The Zakat House will be directly responsible for planning and managing all administrative matters related to the collection and distribution of Zakat, investments from the Zakat fund along with the compilation and maintenance of the list of Zakat recipients. It is also the responsibility of the Zakat House to coordinate with the state agencies regarding the collection and distribution of Zakat in the Maldives.
In addition, a legal advisory committee on Zakat will be established with the new law with the mandate to to provide legal advice and guidance to law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the formulation and implementation of the Zakat system in the Maldives.