Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the esteemed Imam and Khateeb of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, met with the Minister of Islamic Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Malé. The meeting was part of Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair’s official visit to the Maldives and forms an integral part of his engagements aimed at strengthening religious and institutional ties between the two Islamic nations.
Upon arrival at the Ministry, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair received a red-carpet welcome, a gesture reflecting the nation’s deep respect for the spiritual leader. The reception was led by Minister Dr. Shaheem, along with senior officials and department heads of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The Imam was escorted with honour into the Ministry’s premises, where he was warmly greeted by staff and religious scholars.
During the meeting, Minister Dr. Shaheem expressed heartfelt appreciation to Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair for accepting the Ministry’s invitation and visiting the Maldives. He noted that the visit is a source of pride for the Maldivian Muslim community and emphasized the importance of such engagements in nurturing spiritual awareness, religious knowledge, and mutual understanding between Islamic nations.
Minister Dr. Shaheem also presented a detailed briefing on the Ministry’s core functions, institutional structure, and its national projects, including religious awareness programs, Quran memorization initiatives, mosque development, and youth engagement. He emphasized the Maldives’ commitment to preserving Islamic values and deepening connections with the wider Muslim Ummah. The session served as a platform to showcase the Ministry’s strategic goals and efforts in fostering a well-rounded Islamic society in the Maldives.
As part of the visit, Sheikh Dr. Al-Budair signed the Ministry’s official guest book, leaving a heartfelt message commemorating his visit and expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him. The Imam also took time to meet with Ministry staff, exchanging words of encouragement and blessing their efforts in religious service and education.
A special address was delivered by Sheikh Mohamed Latheef, the Senior Imam of the Islamic Centre and Grand Imam of Masjid Sultan Mohamed Thakurufanul Auzam. In his remarks, Sheikh Latheef spoke about the spiritual importance of welcoming the Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque, stating that the visit is a meaningful occasion not only for government institutions but also for the Maldivian people, who hold deep reverence for the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.
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