Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Ahmed Zahir has said the development of Islamic centres in 5 regions of the country will begin next year.
Speaking to PSM News, Islamic Minister Zahir said the design and other administrative work are expected to be completed this year, adding the ministry plans to start construction of the centres next year. Each Islamic centre will be developed with a knowledge centre and a library. Such centres usually house books related to mathematics, astronomy, science, medicine as well as Persian and contemporary books.
Further, the centres will be designed with space to allow religious discussions and debates, in addition to facilities to conduct other religious work. The government has pledged to include the development of one House of Wisdom, Public Academy and Intellectual Centre by the end of 2023.
Maldives currently has only two Islamic Centres, one in Male' City and another in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The development of an Islamic Centre is Ungoofaaru, Raa Atoll, is also underway at a cost of over USD 200,000. Additionally, the Islamic Centre in Male' is currently under renovation. The project is funded from a grant provided by Khalifa Bin Zaid Al-Nahyan Foundation, a non-governmental organisation in the UAE.