Islam Remains Key to Maldivian National Unity in the Face of Division, says Minister Shaheem

Whenever the Maldives faces challenges to its religion or independence, Islam brings Maldivians together, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said.

Speaking at an official function marking the day the Maldives embraced Islam, Shaheem said ongoing projects in the Islamic sector are aimed at ensuring the country remains an Islamic nation for future generations.

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The minister also pointed to constitutional and legal safeguards as a key factor in preserving Islam in the Maldives. He said the country could maintain its status as an Islamic state in the coming centuries by strengthening existing laws and ensuring legislation passed by the People’s Majlis does not contradict Islam.

Shaheem identified several factors that he said have enabled the Maldives to retain its Islamic identity for more than 900 years, including the efforts of Maldivians, government policies, legal protections and the country’s longstanding ties with the wider Islamic world.

He said successive governments had implemented policies to safeguard Islam, while rulers and leaders during the monarchy and other historical periods had played a role in protecting the religion.

Shaheem highlighted several developments in the Islamic sector over the past two years, including the enactment of the Zakat Act, which he said has strengthened the administration of Zakat and increased public confidence and collections.

He also noted that Zakat scholarships were resumed last year after a six-year hiatus.

On Waqf, Shaheem said projects described as the largest Waqf initiatives in the country’s history are currently underway, with completion targeted within two years.

He said the Waqf system is being expanded nationwide, while preparations are underway to launch a project called Daarul Noor by the end of this year or early next year. The minister said the initiative is expected to generate hundreds of millions of rufiyaa for the Waqf Fund.

Shaheem also outlined efforts to expand Quranic education, including an increase in allowances for Hafizes and the establishment of the Centre for the Holy Quran branches in 30 islands.

A further 20 centres are currently undergoing registration, while work is ongoing at 58 locations and 30 additional sites are planned for inclusion in next year’s budget, he said.

Shaheem said the initiatives are intended to strengthen Islamic education and ensure the Maldives remains an Islamic nation for future generations.

He concluded by calling for unity on matters concerning religion and national sovereignty despite political differences, saying the country’s current positive developments in religious affairs should be sustained through collective efforts.