Under the guidance of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has extended an invitation to bring prominent Islamic figures to the Maldives.

In response, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has granted permission for the Imam and Khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Medina, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Salah al-Budair, to make an official visit to the Maldives.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, announced the development, highlighting the significance of the visit. During his stay, Sheikh Dr Salah al-Budair is scheduled to deliver the Friday sermon at the Islamic Centre, present a public religious lecture, meet with local scholars, visit the Salman Mosque and other Islamic institutions, and pay a courtesy call on President Dr Muizzu.

This marks the first visit by an Imam from one of the Holy Mosques in 40 years. The last such visit occurred during the inauguration of the Islamic Centre, when His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad al-Subayyil, the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, visited the Maldives.

Sheikh Dr Salah al-Budair is widely known for his eloquent recitation of the Quran and regularly leads Taraweeh prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque. He is a respected scholar whose work has earned admiration across the Islamic world.

Minister Dr Shaheem also noted that the visit is being arranged in close coordination with the President’s Office. He expressed deep gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for facilitating the Imam's visit. Appreciation was also extended to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Embassy in the Maldives for their ongoing support and cooperation in organising the event.