Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that an investment around MVR 300 million from the ministry is moving forward and that the aim is to make the ministry financially independent.

While answering a question from South Fuvahmulah Constituency MP Ibrahim Hassan during today's Parliament sitting, the minister said public trust has grown in the Zakat Fund under the purview of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and that the fund has seen major progress, along with the Waqf Fund as well.

"We are currently moving forward with an investment around MVR 300 million, with the Zakat Fund and Waqf Fund together. In about one to two years, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs will become prosperous in a self-sustained manner," said Shaheem.

According to the minister, the aim of the ministry is to not depend on the state budget in spreading faith, and to conduct matters with their own funding. He said that many of the difficulties they face will be solved because of it.

"We have not adequately worked to find a permanent solution to the problem. What we tend to do is build a mosque, but we do not have a way to maintain it," as was said by Shaheem.

He went on to say that there was no financial system in place to maintain the Islamic Center when it was built, and that other countries take steps to set up such systems. Shaheem stated that if such systems are not arranged, the structures will see physical damages, and not everything should depend on the state budget.