President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally established the Maldives Zakat House with the enactment of the Zakat Act, which took effect on 1 January 2026.
The new legislation dissolves the previous Zakat House that operated under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, replacing it with an independent institution governed by a comprehensive legal framework.
The Zakat Act provides a robust structure for the collection, management, and distribution of Zakat, prioritising transparency, efficiency, and strict adherence to Islamic principles to fulfil the religious obligation effectively.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed praised the Act as one of the most comprehensive zakat frameworks in the Islamic world. He highlighted growing public confidence in the system, which has driven record-high contributions in recent years.
The legislation aims to bolster institutional oversight, further enhance trust among contributors, and ensure that zakat funds are disbursed promptly and accurately to eligible recipients in accordance with Islamic law.