The Maldives is set to welcome a highly esteemed guest from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of a deeply meaningful religious occasion. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced the upcoming visit of Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the revered Imam and Khatib of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina), following the royal approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This marks the first visit in 40 years by an Imam of either of the Two Holy Mosques, Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca or Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Medina to the Maldives.
Dr. Al-Budair’s visit is of exceptional religious and cultural significance, representing a rare opportunity for the Maldivian people to engage with one of the foremost figures of Islamic scholarship. The last visit of its kind was in 1984, when Sheikh Muhammad Al-Subayyil, then Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, arrived in Malé for the inauguration of the Islamic Centre. The return of a figure of such revered spiritual standing is widely viewed as a renewal of religious bonds and a tribute to the deep-rooted brotherhood between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During his upcoming stay, Dr. Salah Al-Budair will participate in a number of official and religious engagements. He is scheduled to deliver the Friday sermon at the Islamic Centre, address the public in a religious lecture, meet with local scholars and religious leaders, visit prominent mosques including the King Salman Mosque, and tour various Islamic institutions across Malé. In addition, a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, is planned as part of his official itinerary.
This visit is being coordinated under the direction of President Dr. Muizzu, who has underscored the importance of fostering strong ties with global Islamic scholars and institutions. The initiative to bring high-ranking religious figures to the Maldives reflects the administration’s broader commitment to enhancing religious education, interfaith understanding, and national unity.
The announcement was made by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who described the visit as a deeply meaningful occasion for the entire Maldivian nation. He extended sincere appreciation to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Malé for their instrumental role in facilitating this visit.
“This is a treasured moment for the Maldives,” stated Minister Shaheem. “To host the Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque is not only an immense spiritual privilege, but also a reflection of the enduring fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Maldives. The visit reinforces our shared religious values and strengthens the bonds of unity among Muslims.”
Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair is internationally respected for his profound knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and for his powerful Quranic recitation that resonates with worshippers across the world, especially during Taraweeh prayers in the holy month of Ramadan. His presence in the Maldives is expected to inspire renewed enthusiasm for religious education and devotion among the Maldivian public, while reinforcing the Maldives’ historical connection to Islamic heritage and scholarship.
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