Masjid al-Nabawi’s Imam, Sheikh Al Budair, has praised the Maldives’ efforts to promote and strengthen Islamic values, as part of his ongoing official visit to the country.
Sheikh Al Budair arrived in the Maldives on Monday and has since participated in a series of high-level engagements. On Wednesday, he paid a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the Presidential Palace, where the two leaders held extensive discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing religious cooperation.
Following the meeting, Sheikh Al Budair met with Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and senior officials from the ministry. He also held a special session with members of the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa, during which they discussed enhancing the processes and practices involved in issuing religious rulings (fatwas).
In addition, Sheikh Al Budair visited the historic Friday Mosque in Malé and spent time engaging with local children from preschools. Notably, he also met with prominent Maldivian Islamic scholar Ismail Mohamed, who holds the distinction of being the first Dhivehi scholar to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the Islamic University of Madinah.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs told PSM News that the Sheikh’s visit reflects a deepening of the brotherly ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. They emphasized that Sheikh Al Budair has expressed strong support for President Muizzu’s initiatives to elevate religious education and spiritual well-being in the country.
“Sheikh Al Budair has deeply appreciated the efforts made by the government under President Muizzu to strengthen Islamic values and education across the nation. His encouragement has been warmly received by the public,” the Ministry stated.
As part of his visit, Sheikh Al Budair is scheduled to lead Maghrib and Isha prayers at Salman Mosque on Thursday night, followed by Friday prayers at the Islamic Centre in Malé.