News Desk
MALE’ — President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marked the beginning of the Islamic new year on Monday with a national address calling for unity and an end to political divisions, framing the Hijri year 1448 as especially significant as the Maldives approaches 900 years since embracing Islam.
Drawing on the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina more than 1,400 years ago, President Muizzu described the Hijra as a turning point in which justice prevailed over oppression and a divided community found common cause.
“The exemplary solidarity, compassion and mutual support shown by the Ansar and Muhajireen of Medina must be revived today in our small Maldivian society,” he said.
He urged citizens to set aside political and social differences and put national interest above all else. “We must resolve to make hijra in our hearts and souls, away from all that is harmful, toward the path of righteousness,” he said, closing his address with prayers for Palestine and for a peaceful and prosperous year for the Maldives and the wider Muslim world.
First Lady Sajida Mohamed also sent new year greetings to the public.
Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed outlined targets for the year ahead. He said the number of young khatibs, those qualified to deliver Friday sermons, will reach 1,000 by year end, and that the number of Quran hafiz in the country will approach 350. Construction work on the large mosque planned for Hulhumale’ is set to begin this year, and several mosques under construction across the atolls are expected to be completed and opened.
The new year comes as the Maldives prepares to mark 900 years since the country’s conversion to Islam, a milestone the government has tied to several projects including the Hulhumale’ mosque complex, which will include a Quran museum.
