Zakat al-Fitr 2019

ZAKAT AL-FITR 2019

1. What is Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a form of obligatory charity, and can be thought of as a tax. Muslims believe that a portion of our wealth is the right of those in need, and Zakat allows us to give it to them. It also encourages people to remove attachment to material things and focus on the rewards of the hereafter. There are 2 types of Zakat - Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal. Zakat al-Fitr is a smaller amount, and it focuses on ensuring that the needy also get to enjoy Eid after the month of Ramadan. It is also a way in which you can purify your fasts and make up for small mistakes you may have made throughout Ramadan. 

2. Who has to pay Zakat?

All Muslims who have money in excess of what is needed to cover their needs and those of their dependents (nisab) on Eid, are obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr. In the case of people who are not financially independent - children, the elderly, or the mentally challenged for example, their guardians are expected to pay Zakat on behalf of them. 

3. Who gets Zakat?

Zakat is distributed to people in need in the country you live in. These are people who are unable to meet their own and their dependents' needs. They do not meet nisab. The salaries of the Zakat fund workers are also paid from the fund.

4. How much do we pay for Fitr Zakat? 

Whereas Zakat al-Mal is a percentage of a person's wealth, Fitr Zakat is a set amount. The amount payable per person is the market rate of about 2-3 kg of flour, rice, or other staple foodstuff you eat. In 2019, the rates are as follows:

Normal Rice	MVR 15.00
Thailand White Rice	MVR 45.00
Basmati Rice	MVR 95.00
Red Rice	MVR 75.00
Normal Flour	MVR 15.00
Atta Flour	MVR 60.00

5. When do we give Zakat al-Fitr?

We have to give it in the month of Ramadan before Eid prayer. In Maldives, it has to be paid by the end of Ramadan. This gives the Zakat distributors time to give it to the beneficiaries before  Eid prayer.

6. How do we give Zakat al-Fitr?

 Some of the ways in which you can pay Zakat are: 

•  at the Islamic Ministry Meeting Hall (Jalsaa Kuraa Maalam) in Male' from 9:00 a.m to 13:00 p.m. You can go in person and pay at one of the many Zakat counters there. 

• at the Villimale' City Council from 9:00 a.m to 13:00 p.m.

• at the Hulhumale' Community Centre from 9:00 a.m to 13:00 p.m.

• through Bank of Maldives: Pay Zakat on the BML website.

• through Maldives Islamic Bank: Pay on the FaisaMobile app or on their website. You can also go in person and pay from 9:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m at their main branch in Male'.

• through Dhiraagu: Pay via Dhiraagu Pay on their website. You can also pay Zakat via Dhiraagu Prepaid - dial *454*5*1# and follow the instructions. 

• through Ooreedoo: Ooreedoo users can pay Zakat al-Fitr via their mobiles. Dial *909# and follow the instructions.