Dr Shaheem Backs Use of English for Islamic Studies if It Aids Understanding

Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said there is no harm in teaching Islamic studies in English if most students can better understand the subject in that language.

Sharing his personal views on social media, Dr Shaheem commented on a report in an online newspaper which said some people believe schoolchildren are becoming less familiar with the Dhivehi language and that Islam should therefore be taught in English.

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Dr Shaheem wrote in his social media post that the Islamic curriculum in the Maldives should be rewritten in simpler terms to suit the modern generation. He said the style and layout of the textbooks should be updated and that the curriculum should be redeveloped according to students’ grade levels and ages.

He also suggested that the subject could be divided into separate courses for different stages of schooling, rather than being included in a single book as it is at present.

On the issue of language, the minister said teaching Dhivehi as a subject would help improve students’ proficiency in the national language. However, he added that significant improvement would require converting the entire education system to Dhivehi.

Dr Shaheem noted, however, that such a move might not be the most appropriate option for the Maldives.

The minister’s comments come amid ongoing public discussion about language use in schools and how best to teach Islamic studies to ensure both comprehension and cultural preservation.