Sheikh Dr Salah Al-Budair, the esteemed Imam of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, led prayers at the Salman Mosque on Wednesday evening.

This marked the first time Dr Salah Al-Budair led congregational prayers during an official visit to the Maldives.

According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, this visit was the first by an Imam of the Two Holy Mosques to the Maldives in over four decades, making it a profoundly significant occasion for the nation's faithful. Dr Salah Al-Budair, widely known for his eloquent recitation of the Holy Qur’an, drew large crowds eager to pray behind him.

On Wednesday evening, the Imam led both the Maghrib and Isha prayers at the Salman Mosque.

His schedule is to continue on Thursday evening, in which he will lead the Isha prayer at the Islamic Centre. The prayer will be followed by a special religious lecture.  Additionally, Dr Salah Al-Budair will lead the Friday congregational prayer at the Islamic Centre the following afternoon.

Dr Salah Al-Budair arrived in the Maldives on Monday for a five-day official visit. During his stay, he paid a courtesy call on the President of the Maldives, met with officials and staff of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and visited the historic Friday Mosque in Malé.