President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Sheikh Ismail Mohamed, a lifelong advocate of Islamic education and awareness who was honoured with the National Service Award for his contributions to the field. Sheikh Ismail passed away in the early hours of Sunday following a prolonged illness. He was 85.
In a post on his official X account, the President described Sheikh Ismail’s passing as a profound loss and conveyed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.
The President reflected on the late Sheikh’s lifelong efforts to promote Islamic education and awareness. He noted that, through his dedication to advancing Islamic learning, Sheikh Ismail had enabled many Maldivians to pursue Islamic studies abroad. The President further highlighted that he had taught and mentored numerous individuals who went on to serve, and continue to serve, the nation in various capacities.
President Dr Muizzu also noted that Sheikh Ismail had translated numerous religious texts into Dhivehi, eight of which were compiled into books, several of which have already been published. He added that Sheikh Ismail was among the nation’s foremost Islamic scholars.
Sheikh Ismail founded Madharasa Thaiba to advance Islamic education, providing educational opportunities to countless Maldivians. The madrasa he established on the site where Maafannu Masjid Hassan Izzuddin (Thaibaa Miskiy) now stands became the foundation for the religious education and scholarly development of many Islamic scholars who continue to serve the Maldives today.
He dedicated more than five decades of service to the nation in the fields of religious awareness and Islamic education. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to the promotion of Islamic knowledge, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the Islamic University of Maldives. He was also the first person in the Maldives to receive an honorary doctorate from a higher education institution in the country.
President Dr Muizzu concluded his message by praying to Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant the late Sheikh Ismail Mohamed eternal peace and the highest ranks of Jannah.