Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir denies reports that say zakat money was distributed to ineligible recipients this year.
He made the comments while speaking at the parliament session today after he was summoned for inquiries.
The Minister said that the zakat money was distributed as per the list of eligible recipients compiled last October. He assured the parliament that the list was up to date.
Dr. Zahir explained that the list of zakat recipients were compiled by gathering the information from the forms sent to the islands.\
He said that this year the Ministry was unable to compile the list in the usual manner due to the Covid-19 crisis that had gripped the nation. He assured that the zakat money was distributed to the most worthy recipients.
Despite the Minister’s assurance, the parliament committee in social affairs is investigating the matter.
Additionally, former Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali has also voiced concerns over Zakat money distributions based on a list from last year. He said that the money should be distributed to the most in need of it at that point in time.
