The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has inaugurated the National Council on Mosques. The council was inaugurated at a special ceremony by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Naseer said the mosques built in the Maldives show the perfection, beauty and appreciation that people have for mosques. He also said the values of a society originates within its religion and that mosques are built tall as opposed to households, which shows the respect the public has for mosques.
Also at the ceremony, Minister Shaheem said the purpose of the council is to establish a culture that prioritises the maintenance of mosques in the country. He said the ministry will accept the recommendations of the council on matters relating to mosques. He also said the council members will consist of heads of academic institutions and the council will hold meetings once a month.
Additionally, Minister Shaheem said the government has decided to spend USD973,000 on the renovation and maintenance of mosques. He added that the government will work with the council to further expand its work related to mosques.
The National Council on Mosques is an advisory council that will provide religious guidance on matters related to mosques. The ministry stated that the newly established council will pave the way for the formation of committees in all inhabited islands to continuously assess the condition of mosques.