Maumoon signs book of condolences for late Habeeba Hussain Habeeb

The leader of Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has signed the book of condolences opened in memory of the late Habeeba Hussain Habeeb.

Maumoon visited the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy to sign the book of condolences on Tuesday afternoon.

In his message, Maumoon noted the dedicated service Habeeba provided to the Maldives, especially in the field of language, literature, and history.

He also noted the friendship they shared.

The book of condolences opened in Habeeba’s memory has also been signed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and other state officials.

Habeeba died at the ADK Hospital in Male’ on November 21. She was 92 years of age.

She began her career at Madhrasathul Saniyya, as the ‘mu’avina’. She went on to serve as a teacher and special teacher at the school before joining the Ministry of External Affairs as a secretary. She also served as the secretary of the department for the World Health Organization.

During her 50 years of service to the government – she spent 29 years of them at the National Library, where she held various posts. Starting out as the library’s very first librarian on December 12, 1978, she later managed the establishment from 1981 till her resignation in 2018.

She also served as a member of the Parliament appointed by the President.

Apart from this, Habeeba served as a member of the History Committee and Advisory Committee of the Maldives Center for Historical and Linguistic Research. In addition to her contributions to the book titled ‘Qarunu,’ she also hosted a radio program on history and culture for students.

In 1955, she took an interest in history, and worked as a history teacher at Majeediyya School and Aminiya School.

Her professional career as a writer started in 1954 with ‘Munnaaru News’. Her writings have been published in local publications such as ‘Viyafaari Miadhu’, ‘Shuoor’, ‘Jinsulatheefu’, ‘Huvandhu’, ‘Moonlight’, ‘Amaazu’ and ‘Faiy’thoora’- the later to which she had been contributing since 1980.

Habeeba has written a number of stories. She also translated numerous books in Urdu and English into Dhivehi.

Some of her historical works include the biography of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu, titled ‘Muhammad Thakurufaanu the Great’ and ‘Dhivehi Thaareekhah Avas Kalhi’eh’. She also translated books titled; Islamic History 1’ and ‘Islamic History 2’.

She is also revered for her work on folklore.

In 2007, Habeeba was presented with the National Award of Honor in Dhivehi literature. She also received a special recognition award in 1981 for her contributions to the field of translation.

She was also a recipient of the ‘Minivan 25’ award and the ‘Noosverikamuge Ran Galan’.  Habeeba was conferred the Order of the Dignified Rule of Dhiyamigili Dynasty in 2011.