The Maldives will soon begin construction of its largest mosque, the “Grand Mosque,” with work set to start in September. Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced on Thursday that the foundation stone will be laid on September 13, marking the 900th anniversary of the Maldives’ conversion to Islam.
The Grand Mosque will be located between Phase II and Phase III of Hulhumale’ and will have space for around 10,000 worshippers at a time, making it the largest mosque in the country. The concept design for the mosque is complete, and detailed design work is progressing with support from international experts.
The mosque complex will include several important facilities:
- Waqf buildings and a commercial building
- A dedicated parking area
- A Qur’an Museum
Minister Shaheem highlighted that a foreign donor is providing full funding for the project, covering both design and construction. Revenue from the mosque’s endowment building will be used to support Islamic affairs in the Maldives. Representatives of the donor are expected to attend the foundation-laying ceremony.
Currently, the largest mosque in the Maldives is the Islamic Centre, which was built over 40 years ago during the administration of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The most recent major mosque project was the King Salman Mosque, constructed during former President Abdulla Yameen’s term, with special assistance from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
