Islamic Ministry has taken action against the imam of Masjid Azeeza Moosa in Hulhumale' for failing to arrive on time for Eid prayers.
Eid prayers, scheduled for 7:00 a.m., were delayed by approximately seven minutes due to the absence of both the designated imam and his replacement.
Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said that the matter was looked into following the incident, and as a result, the imam has been suspended from delivering sermons across all islands of Maldives for five years.
The replacement imam's absence is also under review, and he has been suspended from his duties.
Reports on social media suggest that a foreigner led the Eid prayers at the mosque in the absence of the imams and delivered the sermon in Arabic.
Across the country, congregational Eid prayers were held at various mosques and the Maafannu Stadium in Male'.