Longstanding Special Service award presented to late 'Haajara' Thaufeeq

The Longstanding Special Service award, a new category added to the National Awards this year has been posthumously presented to Mohamed Thaufeeq (Haajaraa Thaufeeq) of Maafannu Haajaraage, Male' City.

The award presented by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the National Day ceremony in Dharubaaruge today was received by late Thaufeeq's children.

Thaufeeq is the father of several notable names such as renowned singers, Shifa Thaufeeq, Sofa Thaufeeq, Asim Thaufeeq and President of Elections Commission (EC) Fuad Thaufeeq.

The Longstanding Special Service award is presented solely to individuals who utilized a special skill consistently for a long time to provide a service recognized by the community in addition to special services provided to protect the state. This category reviewed how the service was provided, the quality of service and duration of service provision.

This honor was bestowed to the memory of Thaufeeq for his recording of the "Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s 'Siyarat'" and his national service in strengthening public interest towards it.

"It is not without reason that we wait each day during each Ramadan to listen to his voice. It is a refreshing and appealing tune that remains unchanged in voice and is easy to listen to, this is the exceptional truth," said the President's Office.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s 'Siyarat', locally dubbed 'Keerithi Rasoolaage Siyarath' first debuted on the channel, Radio Maldives now known as Voice of Maldives or Dhivehi Rajjeyge Adu during Ramadan in 1973. Completed from September 28 to October 26 that year, the Siyarat was first recorded with three individuals; Mohamed Thaufeeq, Ali Naseer and Ahmed Waheed.

Each year afterwards, with the exception of one, features Thaufeeq's voice in the recordings. His first recording was made in 1974 with his second in 1983 and his last eleven year later in 1994.

He passed away on April 23, 1995 at the age of 61.

Thaufeeq has served the nation continuously for over 33 years. His longest service was as a State lawyer employed at the Attorney General's Office where he served as an Assistant, a Senior Assistant, State Attorney and Senior State Attorney. He has also governed several atolls across the Maldives, also performing as an Imam during Friday and Eid prayer in Male' City.

Thaufeeq is also accomplished in singing songs and Madhaha (religious songs).