“In matters of religion, we should follow the correct religious path, according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)," he wrote.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed today responded to criticism over his statement that no funeral prayer is held for martyrs.
In a Facebook post, he said that scholars coincide that no funeral prayer is offered for those martyred while fighting the enemy, defending Islam. He added that only a minority of scholars believe funeral prayers are allowed in such cases.
“In matters of religion, we should follow the correct religious path, according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)," he wrote.
"The Prophet’s uncle, Hamza, was martyred in battle. Neither he nor other martyrs had their bodies washed before burial. Martyrs are buried with their blood, and there is no funeral prayer for them. There is only dua (supplication) for them."
Shaheem's comments followed the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 and the killing of his successor, Yahya Sinwar, but he faced criticism for the Maldives' lack of a funeral prayer or condemnation of the attacks.
In a subsequent post, without mentioning names, Shaheem prayed for the souls of all Palestinian leaders and others killed in the war.
“I wish victory, success, and freedom for the Palestinian people in their struggle for Al-Aqsa and Palestine,” he wrote.
“Muslims must act within Islamic moral bounds, raise their voices, offer humanitarian aid, and pray for Palestine.”
He further called on the international community to work toward ending the war and bringing peace to the Middle East, expressing hope for the protection of all lives involved.
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