Sunday
18th Oct 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Minister Shaheem, Photo: Ministry of Islamic Affairs
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs aims to cover its administrative and religious programme expenses independently by the end of 2029, excluding staff salaries, Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said.
In a statement shared on X, Shaheem said the goal was to strengthen financial self-sufficiency in Islamic affairs and reduce reliance on the state budget for operating costs other than salaries.
He described the initiative as a major step towards financial independence, sustainable waqf development and preserving Islamic services for future generations. Waqf refers to charitable endowments used to support religious and social purposes.
Annual revenue from strategic waqf investments and zakat is projected to total MVR 250 million. Eight waqf projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, which Shaheem said would provide the ministry with a stronger and more sustainable financial foundation.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the ministry’s long-term capacity to develop Islamic services across the Maldives.
Activities covered by that broader objective include building and maintaining mosques, providing Islamic education, supporting imams and religious scholars, delivering Quran teaching programmes, and sustaining other religious and community development initiatives.