In a landmark address at the opening session of the People’s Majlis for 2025, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced transformative plans to modernize the nation’s Zakat system, aiming to eliminate extreme poverty and enhance social justice across the Maldives.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of the Maldives Zakat House, a dedicated institution under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The Zakat House is tasked with strengthening the collection and distribution mechanisms of Zakat Al-Mal (wealth) and Zakat Al-Fitr (fast-breaking), ensuring compliance with Islamic principles. A Shariah board will oversee operations, incorporating contemporary Fiqh to maximize benefits for recipients.
The President highlighted ongoing efforts to create income-generating opportunities for individuals listed in the national poverty registry. He emphasized that, with Allah’s will, Maldivians will witness a future free from extreme poverty.
In November 2024, the Maldives hosted its inaugural International Zakat Conference (INZAC 2024), bringing together scholars and experts to develop guidelines for modernizing the Zakat system. The conference focused on leveraging modern technology to enhance Zakat administration and its role in sustainable development.
President Muizzu declared 2025 as a year dedicated to practical action, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to upholding Islamic values, Maldivian identity, and national sovereignty. He reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining the Maldives as a 100% Muslim nation, promoting Islamic virtues, and adhering to Shariah law.
The President also outlined several initiatives to strengthen religious observance, including the ‘Risaalath Program,’ which has been conducted nationwide and will continue uninterrupted. Additionally, the ‘Namaadhu Mathiveri Kurun’ project aims to familiarize Maldivian society with the five obligatory daily prayers.
To honor the leadership qualities of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the government plans to introduce an ‘Islamic Leadership Management’ program this year, targeting relevant sectors and organizations.
Further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to Islamic affairs, the National Council of Mosques has been re-established. In 2024, MVR 7,868,953.00 from the state budget was allocated for mosque maintenance and repairs. This year, 35 mosque construction projects are slated to commence across various parts of the Maldives.
These comprehensive reforms reflect President Muizzu’s vision of a prosperous, just, and spiritually enriched Maldivian society, rooted in Islamic principles and dedicated to the well-being of all its citizens.
