Red carpet welcome for Masjid al-Nabawi Imam

Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi Sheikh Dr. Salah Al Budair has received a red carpet welcome following his arrival in the Maldives on Monday on an official visit.  

Upon touchdown in Velana International Airport (VIA), Sheikh Budair was received by Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, and other senior officials from the Islamic Ministry.

Sheikh Budair is visiting the Maldives at the official invitation of the Islamic Ministry, following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s instructions to invite prominent figures from the Islamic Ummah to the country.

The visit was approved by the Saudi Arabian King and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Sheikh Budeir is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Muizzu during the visit. He will also hold meetings with Islamic Minister Shaheem, members of the Supreme Council for Fatwa, religious scholars, young Khathibs, Hafizes and Imams. He will also meet with students memorizing the Holy Quran at the National Centre for Holy Quran and private institutions.

Sheikh Budeir will also tour King Salman Mosque, which was constructed with grant assistance from the Saudi Arabian government.

On Wednesday, he will lead the congregational Maghrib and Isha prayers at Salman Mosque. On Thursday, he will lead the congregational Isha prayer at the Islamic Centre which will be followed by a special religious lecture. He is also scheduled to lead the Friday prayer on Friday afternoon.

This marks the first visit from an Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi to the Maldives in 40 years. The last visit was by Sheikh Muhammad al-Subayyil for the official inauguration of the Islamic Centre.