Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that the mosque being constructed by SJ Company in Hulhumale' Phase 2, of which the construction has gone past deadlines previously, has had its design changed and will see completion this year.

While answering a question from North Hulhumale' Constituency MP Hussain Shareef during today's Parliament sitting, the minister said SJ Company faced many difficulties due to the mosque's design and in an administrative manner, with some parties blaming the company itself. The minister said if the mosque is built upon the previous design, issues such as improper protection from rain will occur.

"Changes have been brought to the design with new theories from engineers, and we have held discussions with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). We hope by the grace of God to complete the project before the year ends," said Shaheem.

According to the minister, practical work on the mosque is moving forward. He said that the government is determined to finish the construction of the mosque, and that the current government will finish it and open it to the public.

Shaheem said this as MP Hussain stated that the public holds major concerns over the prolonged state of the mosque not being constructed.

"The minister should know that both of us, the technical teams and the HDC have held discussions together, and that there are major issues," said Hussain.

The construction of the mosque near Hiyaa Flats and close to Salahuddin School was awarded to SJ in January 2022 after the agreement was signed between SJ Constructions and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The initial agreement was to complete the work within 420 days, or one year and three months, of commencement.

There have been growing complaints due to the completion of the mosque taking too long.

There have been allegations that SJ is taking advantage of duty exemptions on imported materials for the mosque to benefit their other projects. Minister Shaheem previously denied this, stating no materials were given duty exemptions.

Defending against allegations aimed at SJ Company, Minister Shaheem stated in January that the mosque work resumed after a long pause when the current government came to power.

According to the design, it will be a 1,400-capacity mosque. Including the courtyard, it will accommodate 3,000 people.

The mosque in Hulhumale' Phase 2 is being built under a settlement agreement between SJ Construction and the Islamic Ministry. This agreement was made after the cancellation of SJ's contract to build Male's Zikura Mosque, which led to the company claiming MVR 141 million in compensation.

In early 2025, Minister Shaheem said that the SJ mosque would see completion in December 2025.