Two Maldivian Umrah pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia; Veteran Auditor Vaikaradhoo Rasheed among them
The ministry noted that the deceased were traveling with the Safa Group and the Hijaz Group, respectively.
Author, Ibrahim Rasheed | Raajje MV
Two Maldivian pilgrims performing the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have passed away.
In a message shared with its media group on Wednesday, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs confirmed the deaths of two male pilgrims and stated that their funeral rites and burials have already been completed.
The ministry noted that the deceased were traveling with the Safa Group and the Hijaz Group, respectively.
While the ministry did not officially disclose the identities of the deceased or provide further details regarding the causes of death, reports indicate that one of those who passed away is Ibrahim Rasheed, widely known as Vaikaradhoo Rasheed.
Rasheed was a highly respected figure who made significant contributions to the Maldives’ auditing and financial sectors and was also an accomplished writer.
Originally from Vaikaradhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll, Rasheed dedicated more than 36 years of service to the state. His career included service at the Auditor General’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). In addition to his professional work, Rasheed was a prolific publisher of various magazines and authored two notable books documenting the history of the Ministry of Finance.
In addition to this, it has been reported that a 62-year-old male pilgrim traveling with the Al-Manasik Group passed away on the night of Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed that more than 7,000 Maldivians have traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah during the ongoing school holidays.
