State Minister of the Islamic Ministry, Dr. Aishath Muneeza has stated that paying taxes does not exempt a person from paying the Zakat.
Dr. Muneeza said that there is a clear distinction between the taxes obligated by the government and the Zakat obligated by the religion.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Muneeza said that the next obligation right after the obligation of the five daily prayers is Zakat.
“Therefore paying taxes will not exempt you from paying the Zakat,” she said.
Dr. Muneeza said that when Zakat is paid the ministry will issue a receipt and when the receipt is taken to MIRA the amount will be deducted from the taxes.
Dr. Muneeza said that the government has also opened an opportunity for people to give charity.
She said that the charity given to the charity fund will be used to foster Islamic awareness in the Maldives.
Paying taxes does not exempt from paying the Zakat- Dr. Muneeza
