Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has apologized for revealing the personal information of a single mother who complained that she was not getting zakat (alms) because money was rolling into her account.
In a Facebook post, Shaheem said it was not his intention to reveal anyone's personal information and that the details were disclosed because the woman's allegations were misleading.
"I have the utmost respect for her emotions. If what I said about the matter gave a different meaning, or revealed her personal information, I apologize," Shaheem wrote in the post.
Shaheem revealed the personal information of a 37-year-old woman named Aisha. He revealed the amount given to her from the Zakat House last year, the monthly state allowance as a single mother and the total amount of money she receives with her salary. He also revealed the amount of money the woman had saved.
The post drew criticism from social media users. Shaheem later deleted the post.
Aisha complained during President Mohamed Muizzu's meeting with the residents of Villingili district in Male' city.
Aisha said she has five children, the youngest of whom was born blind. So when she went abroad for treatment and returned to the Maldives in 2023, the remaining four children were handed over to their father after accusing her of negligence. But she said their father is a criminal.
The four children were later handed back to Aisha. She complained about her difficult financial and living situations, but said the state refuses to give her zakat payments because money rolls through her bank account.
"We have been without water for about seven days now. All the children are going to the mosque and the beach when they need to use the toilet. But when the Islamic Ministry pays zakat, they say we are not eligible," she said.
