With the Participation of Ministers, Ambassadors, Scholars, and More Than 100 Imams and Preachers

Malé – BETH

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Kingdom’s Embassy in India, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, inaugurated today, Saturday, Jumada Al-Awwal 24, 1447 AH, the Fourth Sharia Scientific Program of 2025.
The event was held at the Islamic Center in the Maldivian capital, Malé, with the participation of more than 100 imams, preachers, and students of knowledge from across the Maldives.
The program will continue for five days.

High-Level Official Attendance

The opening ceremony was attended by:

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs of the Maldives

H.E. Yahya bin Hassan Al-Qahtani, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Maldives

H.E. Sheikh Mohamed Latheef Ali, President of the Islamic Center
Alongside a number of officials, preachers, and students of knowledge.

Maldivian Minister: “Saudi Arabia’s support strengthens moderation and true Islamic values”

Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed expressed his country’s deep appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its wise leadership for their continuous support of Islamic programs worldwide, noting that the Kingdom plays a pivotal role in promoting moderate Islamic values and disseminating Sharia knowledge.

He emphasized that this scientific program is a result of strong cooperation between the two ministries, aimed at enhancing Sharia education and reinforcing the principles of moderation and balance based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

He also commended the efforts of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, led by H.E. Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, for their distinguished work in training imams and preachers, and in promoting the authentic image of Islam—an Islam rooted in coexistence, justice, and peace.

Saudi Ambassador: “This program supports the shared commitment to moderation”

Ambassador Al-Qahtani expressed his pleasure in attending the opening ceremony, noting that this program comes within the framework of constructive cooperation between the two brotherly countries to strengthen the moderate Islamic approach.

He affirmed that moderation has been the foundation of the Kingdom since its establishment, and is equally upheld in the Maldives—reflected in their strong religious and cultural ties.

The ambassador highlighted that the program is one of the fruits of successful cooperation, with Saudi scholars joining their Maldivian counterparts to promote Islamic teachings, combat extremism, and deepen principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He also praised the continuous efforts of Minister Al-Sheikh in following up on such programs and ensuring their positive impact.

Program Launch: Teaching “Usul al-Sunnah”

The program commenced with a lecture on “Usul al-Sunnah” by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, delivered by Sheikh Aedh bin Mushabbab Al-Qahtani, Director of Dawah and Guidance in the Asir region.
This comes as part of ongoing efforts to spread authentic Sharia knowledge and reinforce the values of moderation and correct Islamic creed.

Part of a Global Educational Initiative

This program is one of many scientific initiatives implemented by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs across multiple countries, under the supervision of Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, aiming to:

Promote the values of authentic Islamic teachings

Strengthen Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah principles

Advance tolerance, moderation, and peaceful coexistence

Support collaborative Islamic action worldwide

Reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the globe.