Adhaalath Party voices concern over limitations to sermon times

Adhaalath Party has voiced their concern following the Male’ City Council’s enforcement of limitations on the times allowed to mosques to conduct sermons.

A press statement by Adhlaath Party released today stated that the Male’ City Council has announced specific times; from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm or 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm every night, for the mosques to be allowed hold sermons. They said that the Council has now changed the times to 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm of 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm, following pressure from a group gone to the Male’ City Hall and voiced their discontent.

The press statement accused entities controlled by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of trying to impede attempts to “broaden Islamic themes” in the society. They said that these obstructions are in line with similar attempts by non-Muslims in other countries around the world.

The statement also said that this recent move by the Male' City Council is clear proof that the MDP are trying to deceive the people with the glamour of enchanting words such as democracy, development and justice.

Director at the Male’ City Council Ahmedulla Jameel told Sun that the limitation on the sermon times was decided after considering cultural and traditional aspects surrounding the matter. He said that allowing the sermons to start right after Isha prayer would be a hindrance to the people who perform the Sunnah prayers.