The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has announced that the Zakat Fund will be unveiling a new round of scholarships this week, aimed at supporting higher education and critical medical specializations.
Speaking at a press conference, the Minister revealed that the scholarships will open doors for Master’s and PhD programs in key areas of Islamic studies. In addition to academic fields, the initiative will also provide support for super specialist training in medical areas currently lacking in the country.
“These opportunities will be funded through the Fi Sabilillah portion of the Zakat Fund,” said Dr. Shaheem. “The increase in Zakat contributions, thanks to the generosity of Maldivians, is a victory for Islam.”
He emphasized that the Fund will also allocate resources for Quran education programs, including initiatives to support the memorization of the Quran and the production of Hafiz. These advancements, he noted, are a direct result of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to strengthen the Zakat system in the Maldives.
The Zakat Fund continues to play a key role in medical assistance, covering expenses for treatments such as kidney transplants, bone marrow procedures, and care for serious illnesses like cancer and lung disease.
In a further boost for students, the Minister announced that financial support will be extended to high-achieving students currently pursuing Islamic studies at their own expense in countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Highlighting the success of the Zakat collection system, Dr. Shaheem noted that the past year marked a record high in wealth Zakat collections, surpassing MVR 100 million.
