The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has started the collection of Zakat al-Fitr during the holy month of Ramadan. This is an annual practice where Muslims donate food to the poor and needy before the end of Ramadan. The Ministry has set a deadline for Zakat al-Fitr payments until April 20th, 2023.
The practice of Zakat al-Fitr is an important tradition in Islam, and it aims to help those who are less fortunate to enjoy the Eid al-Fitr celebration. During Ramadan, the Muslim community is encouraged to give a certain amount of staple food to the needy, which can be in the form of wheat flour, rice, or other staple food.
The minimum amount due for Zakat al-Fitr is equivalent to 2.4kg of food per member of the household, depending on the type of food used by residents. Local councils are also accepting Zakat al-Fitr payments in the atolls, while the Islamic Ministry is accepting payments online and via the desk established at the ministry’s hall.
To ensure that the process of collecting Zakat al-Fitr runs smoothly, the Islamic Ministry has set specific times for accepting food staple payments. These payments will be accepted from 1000-1200hrs, 1300-1515hrs, and 2100-2230hrs every day except Friday. Cash payments are also accepted on non-official holidays, and these payments will be accepted from 0930-1300hrs.
The Islamic Ministry has also stated that it will begin accepting payments for food in the last few days of Ramadan. This is to ensure that those who were unable to make their payments earlier have an opportunity to fulfill their religious obligation.
