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Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Media releases

MUIS disburses $2.2 million in one-off cost-of-living support to over 5,600 Zakat beneficiary households

25 September 2026

Additional support complements monthly Zakat Financial Assistance to help lower-income Muslim families manage cost-of-living pressures.

  1. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has disbursed $2.2 million to more than 5,600 eligible Zakat beneficiary households, providing additional assistance to lower-income Muslim families to help with their daily expenses. Called the Cost-of-Living Support, each household received at least $120 under this special payout, with higher amounts provided to households with greater needs based on their per capita income (PCI).

  2. The one-off support, funded by Zakat contributions from the Muslim community, complements MUIS’s monthly Zakat Financial Assistance and the Government's broader cost-of-living support measures. It signals MUIS's commitment to ensuring that Zakat assistance remains responsive to the evolving needs of beneficiaries, while complementing Singapore’s broader social support ecosystem in current times.

Strengthening social resilience

  1. Zakat is a cornerstone of the Muslim community in Singapore, channelling contributions from Zakat payers to eligible beneficiaries across the eight asnaf (categories of Zakat recipients). Every contribution entrusted to MUIS helps families meet essential needs, regain financial stability and work towards self-reliance. MUIS’s approach to Zakat is guided by the values of Ihsan (compassion), Amanah (trust and responsibility) and Islah (continuous improvement) that underpin our approach to Zakat – caring for those in need, administering Zakat responsibly, and continually improving support to meet the evolving needs of beneficiaries. Beyond providing immediate relief, Zakat strengthens social resilience, complementing national efforts to support lower-income households.

  2. Chief Executive of MUIS, Mr Kadir Maideen, said: “The Government has introduced a range of national support measures to help households manage higher living costs. This one-off MUIS Cost-of-Living Support, made possible by the Muslim community’s Zakat contributions, provides additional assistance to eligible Zakat beneficiaries who may face greater financial pressures. Together, these efforts help ensure that vulnerable families continue to receive the support they need.

  3. “This support also reflects the strength of Zakat and the community’s shared responsibility to care for one another. The generosity of our Muslim community enables us to support families who may be facing greater challenges. MUIS remains committed that our assistance is timely and responsive as we work alongside the Government and our community partners to uplift vulnerable families.”

  4. In 2025, MUIS disbursed $74.7 million in Zakat funds to eligible beneficiaries across all eight asnaf, in accordance with Islamic principles. MUIS ensures that at least 40% of total Zakat disbursements are channelled to support underprivileged beneficiaries such as those who are in the fakir (destitute) and miskin (poor) asnaf (categories). This underscores the continued and vital role of Zakat in supporting those in need and building a stronger and more cohesive Muslim community in Singapore.