The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced an ambitious initiative to ensure no rundown mosques remain in the capital Male’ city by the end of the current government's term.
The Minister made the pledge while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the construction of a new mosque, Masjid ad-Da’wah at Muiveyodhoshuge’ (Boduge’) in Maafannu ward.
Minister Dr Shaheem highlighted the significance of the Muiveyodhoshuge site, noting that it has historically been a hub for various educational activities.
He stated that the new project would therefore serve as a comprehensive centre for worship, education, and social engagement, enriching the community. Upon its completion, the new mosque is projected to be one of the most modern in the city, with its associated centre offering free services for various religious and educational activities.
The new 8,973.33 square foot mosque has a capacity for 1,250 worshippers. In addition to the main prayer area, the facility will include a library, three classrooms, a conference hall, and an administrative office, and will serve both religious and educational purposes. The mosque has been designed to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The Minister confirmed that sponsors have been secured for building new mosques on the land of nearly all existing mosques in the city.
"About USD 13 million worth of projects have been sponsored. This is a huge achievement. There will be no rundown mosques in Male' by the end of this term," he emphasised, underscoring the government's commitment to modernising religious infrastructure.
He added that these new facilities would position the city as having some of the most beautiful mosques in the region.
Minister Dr Shaheem also provided a timeline for several key projects. He announced that the Barbari Mosque is slated to open in December, followed by the Zikraa Mosque in January of next year.
Additionally, the Salaam Mosque in Villimale’ will also undergo demolition and be replaced with a modern structure. The Minister confidently stated that all these mosque projects are anticipated to be completed within the next two years.