Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said the late Sheikh Ismail Mohamed was deeply involved in nearly all aspect of religious work.
He made the remarks while speaking at a memorial forum held to recognise the Sheikh’s lifelong contribution to religious education and Islamic scholarship.
During the forum, speakers highlighted that the late Sheikh had played a major role in promoting Islamic learning in the Maldives, as well as the developing scholars.
Minister Shaheem said the Sheikh had played a key role in his own education and made significant contributions to religious work beyond official work. He said he personally received guidance and support from the Sheikh during his education. He revealed that the Sheikh’s completed tafsir works are being reviewed and will be published soon.
Other speakers included Sheikh Abdul Latheef, Dr Mohamed Qubad and Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim. They noted the Sheikh’s contribution in facilitating religious studies in the Maldives, and that he helped many Maldivian students study abroad, including in Pakistan and other countries. He was instrumental in sending over 100 students for religious education, many of whom became scholars.
Sheikh Ismail Mohamed was the first Maldivian student to study at Islamic University of Madinah, specialising in Islamic studies and teaching methodology. He served for more than 50 years in spreading religious knowledge and was widely respected in the religious community. He received the National Award of Honour for services to Islam and education, and was awarded the first honorary doctorate by the Islamic University of Maldives.