Only scholars with specialized knowledge should speak on matters concerning ideologies of different sects: Shaheem

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has urged that discussions regarding the doctrines of various religious sects be restricted to qualified scholars with specialized knowledge in the field.

Minister Shaheem’s appeal comes at a time when many Maldivians are expressing support for Iran following its retaliatory strikes in the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel. Furthermore, a report published on social media by the prominent scholar Sheikh Ahmed Sameer, which sharply criticized Iran’s religious leadership, has ignited a heated public debate regarding different Islamic sects and ideologies.

In a message sent to the Islamic Ministry's official WhatsApp media group on Thursday, Minister Shaheem emphasized that Maldivian society must not be allowed to fall into the depths of Sunni-Shia sectarian prejudice. He noted that for centuries, Maldivians have remained steadfast in the authentic and noble creed of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, adhering strictly to the Quran, the Sunnah, and the methodology of the Pious Predecessors (Salaf al-Salihin). The Minister further stated that the Maldivian people are committed to upholding the moderate principles of Islam.

By the will of God, the Maldives shall remain steadfast in the noble creed of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. I call upon the citizens and scholars of this nation to uphold and preserve this fundamental principle.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed

Emphasizing the importance of upholding this principle, Minister Shaheem stated that no room should be given to anything that could undermine the religious unity of the Maldives. He further urged against the dissemination of sectarian ideologies in a manner that misrepresents scholarly truths and misleads the public.

Furthermore, Minister Shaheem emphasized the need for vigilance against efforts by adversaries to create ideological divisions within the Islamic community. Minister Shaheem also urged that discussions regarding the doctrines of various sects be restricted to qualified scholars with the necessary expertise in the field.

Minister Shaheem’s remarks come amid growing public debate following a response from former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to a social media post by Sheikh Sameer.

Sheikh Sameer stated that based on the explicit writings and declarations found in the books of Iranian Supreme Leaders Khomeini and Khamenei, he has confirmed that both individuals attribute deceit, treachery, and betrayal to the Mothers of the Believers, Aisha and Hafsa, as well as Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and other companions. He further noted that these leaders portray the companions as manipulative individuals who, from the very day they first declared their conversion, did so only out of a calculated ambition for power.

Responding to Sheikh Sameer's post, Maumoon stated that there is no need to categorize individuals as Sunni, Shia, or Salafi Muslims. He emphasized that we are all simply Muslims, adding that such labels are merely tools used by enemies to sow division among us.