The Imam of the Prophet's Mosque, Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah, Sheikh Dr Salah Al Budair arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday on an official visit.
The Imam was warmly welcomed at Velana International Airport (VIA) by Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre, Mohamed Latheef and officials of the Islamic Ministry. A red carpet reception was held in his honour.
Imam al-Budair's visit is at the invitation of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, following a recommendation by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to invite esteemed Islamic personalities to the Maldives.
During the visit, Sheikh al-Budair will pay a courtesy call on President Muizzu. He is also scheduled to officially meet the Minister of Islamic Affairs, as well as the Supreme Council for Fatwa. He will also engage with young preachers, Huffaz, and Imams.
Additionally, the Sheikh will meet with religious scholars and Quran students at the National Centre for the Holy Quran, as well as those studying in private institutions. He is also scheduled to pay an official visit to the King Salman Mosque, which was gifted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh al-Budair is scheduled to lead Maghrib and Isha prayers at the Salman Mosque on Wednesday night. In addition, he will lead the Isha prayer congregation at the Islamic Centre on Thursday night, followed by a special sermon. On Friday, he will lead the Friday congregational prayers at the Islamic Centre.