Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi Arrives in the Maldives on Historic Official Visit

News

His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the distinguished Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, arrived in the Maldives this afternoon on an official visit, marking a spiritually significant moment for the nation.

Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair was received with a red carpet welcome at Velana International Airport by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Chief Imam of the Islamic Center Sheikh Mohamed Lateef, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The visit, extended by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in consultation with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, is part of the Maldivian government’s broader initiative to strengthen religious engagement and foster ties with esteemed Islamic scholars around the world. This invitation was made with the gracious permission of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

A Meaningful Religious Engagement

During his stay, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and hold high-level discussions with Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem. He will also engage with members of the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa, and interact with local Hafiz, young preachers, and Imams, highlighting the Maldivian government's emphasis on youth involvement in religious education.

The Imam’s visit will also include meetings with Maldivian scholars, a tour of the National Center for the Holy Quran, and visits to private institutions focused on Quran memorization. A special highlight will be his official tour of the King Salman Mosque in Malé, a landmark of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Maldives–Saudi Arabia cooperation, constructed with support from the Saudi government.

Spiritual Highlights for the Community

Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair will lead the Maghrib and Isha prayers at King Salman Mosque on Wednesday night, April 23, followed by Isha prayer at the Islamic Center on Thursday night, April 24. After Thursday’s prayer, he will deliver a special religious lecture open to the public.

On Friday, April 25, the Imam will lead the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer at the Islamic Center, offering a spiritually enriching experience for the Muslim community in the Maldives.

Strengthening Faith and Brotherhood

This landmark visit underscores the deep religious and diplomatic ties between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to have a lasting impact on local Islamic scholarship and public spiritual engagement. It reflects the Maldives’ growing role in welcoming global Islamic figures and nurturing a stronger, well-connected Muslim ummah.