Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed on Tuesday apologized if any personal information was revealed in a social media post responding to a single mother’s remarks made at a public meeting in Villingili.
The woman, speaking at President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s community gathering, said her youngest child was blind. She claimed that after returning to Maldives in 2023 following overseas eye treatment, the Social Ministry handed her children to their father, citing neglect, despite him being a convicted criminal.
She also said Zakat House denied her assistance, alleging her account showed income activity. “We’ve lived without water for seven days. My children bathe at the beach and use the mosque toilet. But the Islamic Ministry says we’re not entitled to zakat,” she said.
The video of her speech went viral, prompting Shaheem to post details of her financial status. He said she received MVR 15,500 from Zakat House last September, benefits for single mothers, and earns over MVR 22,000 monthly. He also noted she has MVR 75,000 in her bank account.
Shaheem faced criticism for the disclosure. In a follow-up post, he said his intent was to clarify that Zakat House operates fairly and that the woman’s claims were misleading. “I have the highest respect for her emotions. I sincerely apologize if I contradicted her or revealed personal information,” he wrote later.
Shaheem also added that the Zakat Fund would never harm any Maldivian citizen. Zakat House was established on December 18, 2023, as part of President Muizzu’s pledge to strengthen the zakat system.