About 50,000 gather for mass Eid prayer

Thousands flocked to Maafannu Stadium this morning to participate in the Eid prayer.

At 06:45, people were already on the streets headed towards Maafannu Stadium. Cheerful greeting of “Eid Mubarak!” were exchanged as they passed each other.

The area to the south of the Turf Ground was dedicated for men, while the Track Stadium was dedicated for women. The Stadium was completely full by 07:00, and people had lined up even on Ameenee magu.

The area had been prepared for prayers by volunteers, who had laid out tarpaulin on the ground and divided the rows using coir rope.

The Imam at today’s Eid prayers was Dr Mohamed Iyaz Abdul Latheef. The prayer was participated by President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, Ministers, senior officials of the government, and several businessmen.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said last night that the Stadium would be prepared for 30,000.

“More people joined the prayer than we anticipated. This shows our solidarity,” the Minister said after the prayers.

The 20-minute sermon at today’s prayer was also noteworthy, as Dr Iyaz advised people on various issues.

He advised Maldivians to protect themselves from the intellectual war they are faced with today; advised youth to be disciplined and remain steady in their religious practices, and advised husbands and wives to be kind to one another.

After the prayer, participants mingled while they enjoyed juice and a traditional dish of sticky rise. Everybody was happy, cheerful, and in the spirit of Eid.

Islamic Minister thanked the volunteers, businessmen, Police and Home Ministry for their work in organizing the mass prayer, and also expressed hope that this will be repeated in the future.