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An Imam of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is scheduled to visit the Maldives for the first time in nearly 43 years, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced tonight.
News Desk
Sheikh Dr. Yasser Al-Dossary
MALE: An Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Masjid al-Haram, is set to visit the Maldives after almost 43 years, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced tonight.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 38th National Quran Recitation Competition, Dr. Shaheem confirmed that Sheikh Dr. Yasser Al-Dossary will be traveling to the Maldives following official confirmation from the Saudi Arabian government.
The Islamic Minister noted that Dr. Al-Dossary was initially invited to attend the Young Khatibs Forum, which was organized to mark 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam. However, the visit was delayed due to scheduling conflicts. Dr. Shaheem explained that the trip is currently being planned to take place right after the O-Level examinations conclude, as many young khatibs are currently sitting for their exams.
This upcoming trip marks only the second time an Imam of Masjid al-Haram has visited the nation. The first and only prior visit took place on November 11, 1984, when Sheikh Mohamed Al-Subayyil attended the official opening ceremony of the Islamic Centre in Malé.
The announcement follows a similar high-profile religious visit last year, when Madinah Grand Mosque Imam Dr. Salah Al-Budair visited the Maldives upon the invitation of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
