Imam Dr. Salah Al-Budair of Medina to Make Historic Visit to the Maldives

News

In a historic announcement, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed that Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the esteemed Imam and Khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, will visit the Maldives. This momentous visit has received the official approval of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

This visit holds great significance as it marks the first time in 40 years that an Imam from either of the Two Holy Mosques—the Grand Mosque in Mecca or the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina—will visit the Maldives. The last such visit was in 1984, when Sheikh Muhammad Al-Subayyil, the Imam of the Grand Mosque, attended the opening ceremony of the Islamic Center in Malé.

Key Events and Activities During the Visit:

1. Friday Sermon: Dr. Al-Budair will deliver the Friday sermon at the Islamic Center in Malé.
2. Public Religious Lecture: He will give a public lecture on Islamic teachings and principles.
3. Meetings with Local Scholars: Dr. Al-Budair will engage with local scholars and members of the Maldivian Islamic community.
4. Visit to Islamic Institutions: The Imam will visit the Salman Mosque and other Islamic institutions in the Maldives.
5. Courtesy Call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu: The Imam will pay a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as part of the official activities.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, expressed his deep gratitude to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and the Saudi Embassy in the Maldives for their support in facilitating this historic visit.

“This visit is a profound honor for the Maldives and its people,” said Minister Shaheem. “It represents a spiritual and historical milestone, as well as a deepening of the brotherly ties between our two nations.”

Dr. Salah Al-Budair, a globally respected Islamic scholar, is renowned for his eloquent Quranic recitations and his deep knowledge of Shariah. As the Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, he is widely recognized for leading the Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, further solidifying his position as a respected religious figure. His visit to the Maldives is expected to inspire the Maldivian Muslim community, bringing a renewed focus on religious scholarship and unity.

This historic event underscores the strong bond between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia, with both nations committed to advancing their shared Islamic values and deepening bilateral ties.