To mark the beginning of the construction of the Maldives' largest mosque, with a capacity to accommodate approximately 10,000 people for prayer at one time in Hulhumalé, the foundation stone was laid today.
As a special activity on the day commemorating the 900th [Hijri] year since the Maldives received Islamic guidance, the foundation stone of the largest mosque was laid today by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The name given to this mosque is "Jamius Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdullah." The name was dedicated to Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdullah, or Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu, who was the king when the Maldives converted to Islam.
The name of Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu was decided to be given to the large mosque to appreciate his efforts in accepting Islam during his reign and spreading Islam to the entire Maldives.
The announcement of the mosque project, being built between Hulhumalé Phase 2 and Phase 3, was made by President Muizzu in his presidential address this year.
Adjacent to the large mosque, a "Centre for Islamic Civilization" providing various Islamic facilities and services will also be established. Places explaining how Islam spread in the Maldives will be located at that centre. It is also a place designed in a way that tourists can visit it.
This mosque is being built with financial assistance from Saudi Arabia's Al Rajhi Company. The mosque was also designed by the company's experts. This project has set a target to be completed within two years.
Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem stated that the complex building the large mosque in Hulhumalé will also include waqf buildings, commercial buildings, and parking, and that the profit earned from the waqf building will be spent on Islamic affairs in the Maldives.
Parts included in the mosque:
- Educational, cultural, and community centre
- Prayer hall
- Imams' and administrative offices
- Islamic library and cultural centre
- Quran museum
- Multipurpose community hall
- Visitors' area
- Islamic bookstore and gift shop
- Exhibition hall
Speaking at the ceremony held to lay the foundation stone, Minister Shaheem stated that building such a large mosque in Hulhumalé was a vision held even 20 years ago, and that it was previously intended to be done in the area where the Central Park is now located. However, he stated that the vision was not achieved at that time.
Minister Shaheem stated that this vision was achieved this time due to the special importance given by President Muizzu. He also stated that HDC had a very large role in making this vision a reality.
"This will be a very important Islamic project established in the Maldives for the future of the country," Shaheem stated.
The current largest Islamic structure in the Maldives is the Islamic Centre built in Malé 41 years ago during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's administration. 4,500 people can pray there at one time.
