Islamic Minister: Zakat fund used to assist locals in dire situations abroad

Islamic Minister of Maldives Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has stated MVR 3 million from the Zakat Fund was spent on locals in dire situations abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic virus.

The Minister was speaking at the Fala Surukhee program of Raajje TV last night when he stated that the government was working and spending a lot of funds to assist locals abroad.

“As we spend the funds, we also spent MVR 3 million from the Zakat Fund to give some kind of support to them.” said the Minister.

He also noted that the first task after his appointment was to restructure the Zakat Fund and that he had not spent any funds on unnecessary expenditures. The minister added that an advisory committee of religious scholars was formed to ensure that the funds are spent appropriately.

“If there is an issue, we propose to the committee who approves of the expenditure, after which we use the funds,” said the Minister.

The Minister also noted that MVR 16 million was spent on medical assistance purposes. Zakat Fund is also used to provide scholarships.