One mosque in Male

The decision has been made to give the Friday prayer sermon in English at one mosque in Male’ during Ramadan.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said that if public support is received for the delivery of the sermon in English, it will be made permanent after Ramadan.

He said that religious scholars in Maldives who have obtained their education in English should be capable of delivering the sermon in English, and noted the importance of educating foreign Muslims in Maldives on religious issues.

“We have decided to try it out during Ramadan, because there are several foreign diplomats and teachers in Maldives. They don’t understand the sermon delivered in Dhivehi. They are more likely to be educated and informed if the sermon is given in English.”

The Minister did not disclose any further details such as the name of the mosque in question, or how the sermon will be written in English.