Congregational prayers to commence at King Salman Mosque on Friday

Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has stated that congregational prayers would commence at Saudi-funded King Salman Mosque starting from next Friday.

Speaking to the press today, Minister Zahir said that although the mosque cannot be officially inaugurated – congregational prayers will commence at the mosque starting from the Friday Prayer, on next Friday.

He also noted that a temporary mosque will be inaugurated at Hulhumale’ Phase II on next Thursday – where congregational prayers would commence starting from Asr Prayer. He further stated that efforts were underway to expand sheltered space at the existing temporary mosque in the area.

Minister Zahir underscored renovation of mosques for Ramadan was also underway. However, he said that it is possible renovations at all mosques may not be complete by the start of Ramadan. 

Despite efforts by the government to officially inaugurate King Salman Mosque, it has been delayed multiple times for various reasons.

Originally, it was to be inaugurated in March 2020 – however, was delayed in light of the COVID-19 situation.

A second effort was made for last year’s Ramadan – however, was delayed once again over the non-installation of all required facilities.

The King Salman Mosque is the largest in the Maldives. Around 4,000 worshippers can be accommodated on the first and second floors of the mosque. The third floor is comprised of four classrooms and five seminar rooms. The fourth floor consists of a library an auditorium able to accommodate 350 people. The fifth floor is a multi-purpose hall, able to accommodate 300 people.

The mosque was built by the Turkish company, Turmaks.

A total of USD 25 million was spent on building the mosque. USD 14.5 million was provided by the Saudi government. The remaining amount was funded by the Maldivian government.