The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has announced that Masjid-al-Yusuf Al-Barbari is scheduled to officially open on the 16th of this month.
The construction of this mosque was contracted to a private party by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, with the official agreement signed in January of last year.
Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that the Barbari Mosque will officially open its doors starting with the Asr prayer on the 16th of this month. The three-story structure is designed to accommodate up to 1,400 worshippers simultaneously.
Mosque construction projects are a key component of the government’s efforts to increase prayer space across the Maldives. Several mosques are scheduled to open throughout this year.
The Minister further noted that physical work on Masjid-al-Salam in ViliMalé and Zikura Mosque will commence after the month of Ramadan. He explained that the decision to delay the demolition and start of work was made to avoid inconveniencing the public during the holy month.
Sponsorship has already been secured to develop both mosques to modern standards. The Minister highlighted that with these developments, Masjid-ul-Afeefuddin in Henveiru will be the only remaining old mosque in the Malé area requiring reconstruction. He assured that assistance will be secured for that site as well. Additionally, work on the Maafannu Boduge Mosque is ongoing and is expected to be completed by next year’s Ramadan. Minister Dr. Shaheem also emphasized that ancient coral stone mosques will be preserved as historical heritage sites.
