Salat al-Gha'ib (funeral prayer in absentia) will be performed in the Maldives for Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed Ahmed, a highly respected Islamic scholar who passed away in Malaysia on Monday.

Sheikh Fareed died shortly after arriving in Malaysia, where he was receiving medical treatment.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that, due to the family’s decision to hold his funeral in Malaysia, requests have been made for Salat al-Gha'ib to be carried out across all mosques in the Maldives.

He added that if Sheikh Fareed's burial takes place in Malaysia before Friday, the Salat al-Gha'ib will be conducted after Jummah prayers in Maldivian mosques.

Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed Ahmed was widely regarded for his efforts in spreading Islamic teachings throughout the country. His passing marks a significant loss to the Maldivian community.