Uz Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa has been awarded the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) in recognition of more than 43 years of dedicated service and significant contributions to Islamic education, religious awareness, translation and Dhivehi literature.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu presented the award at a special ceremony held to commemorate the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives.

Uz Ibrahim Rasheed has served the nation in a wide range of capacities, with his most notable contributions in Islamic education and the promotion of religious knowledge. He completed his higher education at Al-Azhar University before beginning his career as a Mathematics teacher at Majeedhiyya School.

In 1980, he was appointed Head of Ma’had al-Dirasat al-Islamiyya, where he worked to strengthen Islamic education from primary to secondary level and helped create opportunities for students to pursue higher studies abroad.

During his tenure at Ma’had, Uz Ibrahim Rasheed played a key role in training imams and khateebs, establishing Quran classes in mosques across Malé and the atolls, and conducting programmes to enhance the knowledge and capacity of judges and lawyers in Islamic jurisprudence.

A prolific writer and translator, he has published more than 50 books, including religious publications, collaborative works and a reference book on the translation of Arabic and Dhivehi words. He has also translated and published 11 religious books.

Among his most notable works is the Dhivehi translation of the popular Ramadan programme Muhammad Rasoolullah, as well as providing live Dhivehi interpretation of Arabic sermons delivered during Ramadan programmes held under the administration of former President Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Uz Ibrahim has also made significant contributions to journalism, serving in senior positions at several media organisations in the Maldives. His work in Islamic education, Dhivehi literature, journalism and translation has earned him national recognition on numerous occasions.

He concluded his public service career on 17 November 2018 while serving as President of the National Centre for the Holy Quran.

The ODRI recognises Uz Ibrahim Rasheed's lifelong dedication to religious education, public service and the preservation of knowledge, language and culture in the Maldives.