Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has expressed support for the proposal to bury Muslim COVID-19 victims from Sri Lanka in the Maldives.
The Islamic Minister made the remarks after it was revealed that the government is considering the request by the Sri Lankan government to bury Muslim COVID-19 victims in the Maldives. The request was made as Sri Lanka currently practices cremation for its COVID-19 victims, which goes against the principles of Islam.
The minister said as a Muslim country, the Maldives must assist Muslim families from the neighbouring Sri Lanka by facilitating means to bury their loved ones who passed away from COVID-19. He noted this act of kindness would be rewarded both in this world and the hereafter.
Meanwhile, many religious scholars have also expressed support for the proposal to bury Muslim COVID-19 victims from Sri Lanka in the Maldives. As such, many scholars have expressed the view that Muslims must be provided the right to bury their dead, regardless of whether it is their home country or not.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier revealed a letter had been sent by President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih requesting assistance in burying Sri Lankan Muslims who die from COVID-19. The foreign ministry said discussions on the matter are currently ongoing.