Zakat House Opens Cash and Card Counters to Ensure Inclusive Fitr Payments

The Maldives Zakat House has begun accepting Fitr Zakat payments through cash and debit or credit cards for individuals who are unable to use online payment platforms, expanding access to ensure broader public participation during Ramadan.

According to the Zakat House, dedicated service counters have been set up at the Islamic Centre hall in Malé to facilitate in person payments. The counters will operate from today until March 9 on all official working days between 10:00 and 13:00. From March 10 to March 19, services will continue from 11:00 to 14:00, excluding Fridays and Saturdays.

The initiative is aimed at assisting members of the public who are unfamiliar with digital payment methods or face difficulties completing transactions online. Authorities said the move is part of efforts to ensure that all eligible individuals can fulfill their Fitr Zakat obligations before Eid.

For residents in the atolls who encounter similar challenges, the Zakat House advised that payments can be made through local council offices. Councils will process collections using a dedicated Fitr Portal designed to manage Zakat contributions made in cash or grain.

Officials explained that when a payment is made at either a council office or the Islamic Centre, authorized staff immediately record the transaction in the portal. Once the payment is completed, the contributor receives an instant SMS confirmation stating the amount paid as Fitr Zakat. Any additional contributions made as Sadaqah are also reflected in the message.

While in person payments commenced today, the Zakat House has been accepting online payments since the first day of Ramadan. This year, multiple digital channels have been made available to provide flexibility and convenience for the public.

Fitr Zakat can be paid through the Dhiraagu Mobile App and Dhiraagu Pay website, Ooredoo m Faisaa Mobile App, Maldives Islamic Bank Mobile App, Bank of Maldives Mobile App, FahiPay Mobile App, Avas Mobile App and the Bandeyri Pay website. Among these platforms, Bandeyri Pay and FahiPay will continue accepting payments until the final day of Ramadan, while payments through the other platforms will remain open until 06:00 on the 27th day of Ramadan.

The Zakat House stated that the combination of digital and physical payment channels reflects its continued efforts to make the process accessible, transparent and efficient for all communities across the country.