Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that Sheikh Dr Yasir Al-Dawsary, an imam of Makkah’s Masjid Al-Haram, is set to visit the Maldives.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 38th National Quran Competition, Shaheem said arrangements had been made for Al-Dawsary’s visit and that the ministry had received correspondence from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the visit.
Shaheem said the ministry is looking to schedule the visit around the time the ongoing O-Level examinations conclude, noting that many young khatibs are currently preparing for the examinations.
He said the invitation to Al-Dawsary was initially extended under the guidance of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in connection with an event for young khatibs, but the visit could not take place at the time.
Shaheem described Al-Dawsary as a popular imam among young people and highlighted his position as one of the younger imams of Masjid Al-Haram and his Quran recitation.
According to Shaheem, it has been 43 years since an imam of Masjid Al-Haram last visited the Maldives. He recalled that Sheikh Mohammed Al-Subayyil, who was then an imam of Masjid Al-Haram, visited the Maldives to attend the opening of the Islamic Centre and offered prayers for Maldivians.
Shaheem also noted that Sheikh Dr Salah Al-Budair, an imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi, visited the Maldives last year.
He said the ministry is looking to facilitate visits by imams of the Two Holy Mosques to the Maldives every year to meet with Maldivians.
“This year, this matter has now been arranged. If Allah wills, I will announce a specific date,” Shaheem said.
The minister also announced preparations for a special gathering for young khatibs, saying the ministry intends to bring together huffaz, young khatibs, scholars and people involved in da’wah work in the Maldives.
