The new zakat bill proposed by the government, once enacted, will end poverty and bring about social prosperity, says Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
The zakat bill, sponsored by Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed, was submitted to the Parliament on Monday. According to the government, the main purpose of the bill is to lay down a proper framework for the collection and distribution of zakat in order to achieve the purposes for which it is mandatory in the religion of Islam.
In a statement regarding the bill on Wednesday, Shaheem said the main purpose of the bill is to ensure the proper utilization of the zakat fund, and to create a modern system for management of zakat within a legal framework.
“The zakat bill was drafted in line with international standards. By taking Islamic nations with the best systems as examples. Malaysia, Kuwait, UAE and Egypt – all these countries conduct zakat within a legal framework,” he said.
Shaheem said that legalizing the country’s zakat system will be a huge ease to the government.
“Investing from the zakat fund is permissible as long as its Sharia compliant. Such investments will enable for everything that people eligible for zakat need to be provided for free. It will make it easier to provide housing and medical treatment for people registered as poor. The zakat fund will be upgraded to fit the modern age. We will be able to end poverty and bring about social prosperity in the Maldives,” he said.
The zakat bill was accepted into the Parliament with a unanimous vote of 72 on Wednesday afternoon. It has now been sent to the Social Affairs Committee for review.
The bill requires for the establishment of a Zakat Council within two months the bill is enacted. According to the bill, the nine-member council will be composed of: the Islamic minister, a director general, a representative from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), a representative from the Center for Holy Quran, a representative from the Finance Ministry, a representative from the Fatwa Council, a representative from the Islamic Ministry, and two zakat experts.
Meanwhile, the collection of zakat, all related administrative work, the management of the registry of people eligible for zakat, and ensuring convenient payment methods all fall under the purview of the Maldives Zakat House.
The bill also criminalizes three acts:
Collecting zakat from someone who is not obligated to pay zakat
Collecting zakat from a property or asset that is not subject to zakat
Unfair distribution or investment of zakat money
All three offenses are punishable with fines of MVR 1,000 to MVR 100,0000.
The bill is set to take effect at the start of next year.
Minister: New zakat laws will end poverty in Maldives
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