37 hafizes to lead Tarawih prayers in Male' this Ramadan

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that during this upcoming Ramadan, 37 hafizes will serve as Imams leading Tarawih prayers in the Male' region. 

Shaheem revealed this via a Facebook post, where he said that the 37 hafizes include many young persons who recite Qur'an in beautiful tones. 

Additionally, exceptional young Khateebs will also be given the opportunity to present Friday sermons at the Salman Mosque and Islamic Centre during Ramadan, he said. 

He also stated that Tarawih prayers at Islamic Centre and Salman Mosque will be led by Maldivian hafizes. 

"We have increased the number of mosques where short recitations and prayers will be held. Some larger mosques will also have shorter recitations and prayer. This is because these congregations are popular," Shaheem said. 

Shaheem said that Sultan Adil Mosque, located on Majeedhee Magu in front of the Galolhu Stadium, will have longer prayers this year, although it is known for having shorter prayers in previous years. 

Barbari Mosque on Majeedhee Magu wil have short prayers, Shaheem said. 

This decision was made because shorter prayers at Sultan Adil Mosque led to huge crowds attending, blocking foot and vehicular traffic on the main road, Majeedhee Magu, he added. 

The Islamic Ministry aspires to train enough hafizes to cover Tarawih prayers at all mosques in Male' region by next year, he said. However, this year, too, many Maldivian hafizes will be leading prayers across the country, he added. 

Shaheem further announced that young Maldivian khateebs will also be leading Eid prayers for large congregations at the end of Ramadan. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously announced that about 15 new mosques will be opened in Male' and the atolls ahead of Ramadan. 

As per the calendar, first of Ramadan is due to fall on February 18.