Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali has announced that starting January 2023, Friday sermons will be broadcast on TV with English translations.
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed invited public feedback regarding the proposal to deliver sermons in English at one mosque in the city, considering the significant number of foreign Muslims in the Maldives. The minister disclosed that the senior management meeting of the Islamic Ministry thoroughly discussed this matter.
Assuring the sermons will continue to be delivered in Dhivehi, the minister affirmed his commitment to making translations available online in various languages. Additionally, he has decided to introduce English subtitles during the live TV broadcasts of the sermon. These initiatives are set to be implemented from January 1.
In an effort to promote inclusivity, the minister further stated that the sermon will be broadcast live in sign language. Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed also revealed plans to collaborate with relevant agencies from different countries to launch awareness programmes. These programmes aim to enhance the understanding of social standards and ethics among foreign workers in the Maldives.