National Islamic Library to be Established Next Year, Announces Minister

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced plans to establish a National Islamic Library in January of next year. 

Speaking at a media briefing on the ministry’s recent activities, Dr. Shaheem outlined the ministry’s commitment to providing resources for Islamic scholarship and facilitating research.

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The new library will be housed at the King Salman Mosque, following the closure of the former Islamic Centre library in Malé City last year. The closure led to the storage of its collection, but Dr. Shaheem expressed his determination to rectify the situation by creating a modern library equipped with up-to-date facilities.

In addition to the National Islamic Library, the ministry plans to set up smaller libraries in several key locations across the Maldives. These include Islamic centres in Thinadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll), Ungoofaaru (Raa Atoll), Dhidhdhoo (Haa Alifu Atoll), Hithadhoo (Addu City), and Fuvahmulah City. The goal is to complete these regional libraries by the end of next year, further expanding access to Islamic resources across the nation.

Dr. Shaheem also discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen Islamic affairs in the Maldives, referencing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of intellectual development, as outlined in his manifesto. He emphasised the ministry’s dedication to realising this vision.

One of the key initiatives mentioned was the Imam training project, launched in response to a shortage of imams in various islands. To address this, the ministry has developed a specialised curriculum, and 402 imams have been trained to date. Dr. Shaheem expressed optimism about the continued development of Islamic affairs in the Maldives, noting the government’s proactive steps in this area.

Minister also revealed that the Islamic Ministry is set to launch a MVR 30 million project for the development of a waqf building in Addu City, according to Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.

Dr. Shaheem announced that proposals for waqf projects were received from 14 local councils and 10 atoll councils. Among these, the proposal from the Addu City Council was deemed the most favourable.

The funding for the project may come from either the ministry’s own resources or through the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Shaheem indicated.

The ministry anticipates that the project will commence at the beginning of next year. Upon completion of the waqf building, it is expected that the government will no longer need to allocate funds for religious activities in the city, such as mosque construction, Quran competitions, and other related initiatives.