Friday sermon written by a woman for the first time in Maldives

For the first time in Maldives' history, a Friday prayer sermon written by a woman was delivered today.

According to the Islamic Ministry's website, the sermon was written by Hawwa Latheef, and focused on the importance of maintaining familial bonds.

A senior official from the ministry confirmed that there is no evidence in the country's history which suggests that a woman had previously written a sermon before.

Hawwa Latheef obtained her tertiary education from Egypt's Al-Azhar University, and previously served as the Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives.

She is now a Deputy Minister at the Islamic Ministry.