Land required to build the Maldives’ largest mosque has been allocated to Saudi Arabia’s renowned Al Rajhi company.
The agreement to hand over the land was signed by Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. Al Rajhi was represented by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Bandar Abdullah Alrajhi.
The largest mosque currently under construction in the Maldives is the Sultan Mohamed bin Abdullah Grand Mosque and Islamic Civilisation Centre in Hulhumale'. The foundation stone for the mosque is scheduled to be laid tomorrow evening, as part of celebrations marking 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.
The country’s largest mosque currently under construction is located in the area connecting Hulhumale’s Second and Third Phases. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said the landmark mosque will symbolise the rich history and architectural heritage of the Maldives’ Islamic civilisation in its fullest form, and will serve as a valuable legacy transmitting faith, knowledge and unity to future generations.
An agreement has also been signed with Saudi Arabia’s Al Rajhi company to finance the project. The complex, which will include a spacious main prayer hall capable of accommodating approximately 10,000 worshippers at once, will also feature a range of facilities aimed at promoting Islamic education and culture and strengthening social ties.
In addition to dedicated offices for imams and administrative work, the complex will include a specialised centre for educational, cultural and social activities. An Islamic library and a cultural centre will be established to promote religious knowledge and history, along with a Quran museum showcasing historical information related to the Holy Quran.
An exhibition hall for Islamic and historical exhibitions and a multipurpose community hall for social gatherings will also be developed as part of the mosque complex. A dedicated visitor area will be established for members of the public and tourists visiting the mosque, along with an Islamic bookshop and a gift shop.
The complex is expected to play an important role in providing Islamic education and culture to residents of Hulhumale' as well as visitors to the Maldives.