Maldives Makes History as Female Deputy Minister Pens Landmark Friday Sermon

MALÉ, Maldives — The Maldives marked a historic moment today with the delivery of a Friday sermon written by a woman for the first time in the nation’s history. Al- Ustaza Hawwa Latheef, Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, authored the sermon, signaling a broader acceptance of women’s roles in religious leadership.

Hawwa Latheef, a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives, focused her sermon on the importance of maintaining family relationships. She emphasized the critical roles and responsibilities of different family members, highlighting the need for care, protection, and love within the family unit.

The sermon drew particular attention to the plight of children and the elderly who, due to a lack of familial support, find themselves living in government centers. Hawwa Latheef underscored the detrimental impact of this separation on mental health and urged families to ensure that all members have the opportunity to live in a nurturing environment.

Hawwa Latheef  holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, with a major in Accounting, from Al-Azhar University and a Master’s degree in Management from the International Islamic University Malaysia. She is set to further her studies by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).

In an interview with EtruthMV,  Hawwa Latheef shared that her studies at Al-Azhar University have uniquely qualified her to work in Islamic propagation. Reflecting on her time at the esteemed institution, she noted that the curriculum integrated religious subjects with other core disciplines, providing a well-rounded education. She also mentioned that during her studies, she memorized two-thirds of the Quran, a personal achievement that deepened her understanding and commitment to Islamic teachings.

This groundbreaking sermon not only highlights the evolving role of women in the Maldives’ religious landscape but also serves as a powerful reminder of the essential values of family cohesion and care in society.