Founder of cherished Eydhafushi mosque passes away

The founder of one of the most beautiful mosques in the country, Mohamed Ali, Daisy Villa, B. Eydhafushi has passed away yesterday. 

The mosque, Masjid Al Mohamed Ali, was opened in Eydhafushi on March 20 this year. The mosque's founder passed away in Chennai, India at the age of 91 while under treatment for a prolonged illness. 

Mohamed Ali was moved to Chennai for treatment after his long battle with age-related ailments worsened. 

One of his most strongest desires had been to establish a mosque on his island during his life. Four years ago, he began the work of developing the mosque on his island with the help of his children. The mosque finally opened its doors eight months ago on March 20 this year. 

At the mosque's inauguration, Mohamed Ali greeted visitors and posed for group photos in his wheelchair, his face lit with pride. 

Mohamed Ali was a renowned businessman from Eydhafushi. During his prime, he owned fishing vessels and cargo boats. He oversaw uninhabited islands in B. Atoll, raised goats and ran a shop at his residence. Ferries that he used to manage have now been leased to MTCC. 

The mosque founded by Mohamed Ali was of a new concept to the Maldives. The striking design of the mosque has made it a popular attraction, and serves as a landmark in Eydhafushi. 

One of the most well-known amongst Mohamed Ali's children is Mubaah Rafeeu, a shareholder of Medtech. Along with Mubaah, Mohamed Ali leaves behind 13 children. 

The Eydhafushi mosque was fully funded privately by Mohamed Ali. It has the capacity to accommodate 1,200 people. The mosque was inaugurated by a close family friend, Villa College Rector Dr Ahmed Anwar. 

The design of the mosque takes inspiration from mosques in Oman, Uzbekistan, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Some of Mohamed Ali's children personally visited these countries to observe mosque architecture.