Groundbreaking held for new modern mosque in Masjid al-Salaam site in Vilimale’

The groundbreaking for a new, modern mosque was held at the site of the existing Masjid al-Salaam in Villimalé on Friday.

The foundation stone was laid by Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed during a special ceremony held this evening.

According to the Islamic Ministry, the project marks a significant step towards addressing space constraints faced by Villimalé residents and expanding religious services in the area.

The mosque, which is being constructed by the Fiya Foundation, will have a capacity of 1,000 worshippers. The two-story building will be developed to modern standards and include a prayer hall, two classrooms for religious education, and a room for the imam.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister Shaheem said the mosque would provide Villimalé with a spacious and beautiful place of worship. He noted that the project fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the island's residents.

Noting that the redevelopment of the site had been delayed for a considerable period, the Minister said the mosque had stood at the location for the past 25 years and was in urgent need of renovation.

The Minister expressed confidence that the project would result in the most beautiful mosque in Villimalé. He also expressed hope that construction would be completed as soon as possible, allowing the public to begin using the facility.

Furthermore, as part of ongoing efforts to renovate mosques, the Minister announced that all dilapidated mosques in the Malé region are expected to be renovated within the next two years.

"The joy that comes with this mosque project is the fact that sponsorship has been secured and work has commenced for all but one of the old mosques in the Malé region, with some projects nearing completion. Within the next two years, all mosques in the Malé region will be fully renovated," the Minister said.

The project forms part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen Islamic infrastructure and develop high-quality mosques across the country. The Ministry also expressed its appreciation to the Fiya Foundation for its support in the initiative.