Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that no one will be allowed to transgress the fundamentals of Islam.
The Islamic Minister made this remark speaking at the press conference held yesterday to brief the public on the achievements of the ministry so far.
Dr. Shaheem said that the policy of the ministry is to use education and awareness programs with regards to religious matters where there are differences of opinions. He said that the ministry takes any action as a last resort.
Dr. Shaheem noted that religious affairs are maintained within set guidelines in every country. He said that Maldives will also maintain religious issues within set guidelines.
In this regard, Dr. Shaheem said that action was taken against those who held their own congregation for Friday prayers after months of advice. He said that they were adviced through the police a month before action was taken against them.
Dr. Shaheem also noted that a similar group in Maduvvari refused to meet the Ministry’s representatives when they went to advise them.
The Minister said that Maldives is a Muslim country and the prayers are held in the mosques in accordance to the Sunnah.
“There is no reason for them to hold their own congregation leaving the congregation in the mosques. No scholar agrees to it,” he said.