The Islamic library at King Salman Mosque was officially inaugurated on Saturday evening, marking a key milestone in the government’s broader efforts to enhance access to Islamic knowledge and revitalise religious institutions across the Maldives.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and senior officials from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The launch of the facility fulfils a presidential pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to establish Islamic libraries across the country.
Located on the third floor of King Salman Mosque, the new library has been designed as a modern space for reflection, learning, and research. It currently houses more than 15,000 titles across a range of Islamic disciplines, from jurisprudence and theology to history and Arabic literature.
Speaking at the event, Minister Dr Shaheem commended the collective efforts that made the initiative a reality. He encouraged local religious scholars to contribute their personal collections to the library and called for greater inclusion of works authored by Maldivian writers.
Dr Shaheem also revealed plans for the further expansion of mosque-based libraries across the Maldives. A foreign university has pledged to donate an additional 60,000 books to support this initiative, which will see libraries established in regional Islamic centres in Haa Alifu Dhidhdhoo, Raa Ungoofaaru, Thinadhoo City, and Addu City.
The Islamic Ministry stated that the new library will be open to both the general public and academic researchers, and is expected to become a vital resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Islamic scholarship through self-directed study.
