Islamic Ministry to conduct special programmes on religious extremism

The Chair of the May 6th committee, and MP for Vilufushi constituency, Hassan Afeef has stated that special programmes are to be conducted to raise awareness about religious extremism in the Maldives.

During a meeting of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s National Congress held on Wednesday, Afeef said that the committee’s most prioritized task is the investigation of the May 6th assassination attempt, and confiding the findings to the National Congress. He added that a meeting with Maldives Police Service has taken place regarding the progress of the investigation, and that the details have been shared with the MDP congress.

Continuing, Afeef further stated that the recommendations mentioned in the 241 committee’s report are also being taken into consideration. Also, he stated that the Islamic Ministry will be met with, in order to clear details about the ministry’s efforts to stop the spread of extremist religious beliefs.

The meeting held on Wednesday was also attended by the Islamic Minister, Dr. Ahmed Zahir.

Afeef went on to say that the religion of Islam has certain rules, and that no individual should seek to kill another on an unjustified basis. This was mentioned in the meeting, by the Ministry as well. Therefore, a program will be conducted to prevent such beliefs from forming throughout society.

Jailing of individuals involved in large illegal organizations would expose them to other detainees, who practice extremist ideologies causing them to mix, Afeef says. Consequently, the dangerous concepts continue to spread, increasing the number of people who practice them.

In order for such convicts to start afresh, following their release, Afeef says that proper rehabilitation programs should be held, and that society should be well-equipped against such beliefs as well.

The May 6th committee was informed that there was a scarcity in budget to conduct these programmes, regardless of their importance.

Afeef stated that Islamic scholar’s opinions will be sought regularly for this matter, and that discussions are ongoing about programmes that will help cease the spread of religious extremism in the minds of school students. Assistance from foreign scholars are to be sought in this important work.