Gov't faces widespread criticism after student reciting Quran at National Day ceremony was startled!
17 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 12:35The government is facing intense public backlash after State Minister Ahmed Munaz instructed a student to cut short a Quran recitation during the National Day ceremony in HA. Utheemu. While the government defended the action by claiming the instruction was given due to the extreme heat and the audience's exposure to the sun, many have expressed outrage, arguing that interrupting and startling a student during a formal recitation is unacceptable.
The government is facing heavy criticism after a student reciting the Quran during a National Day ceremony was abruptly interrupted and told to shorten the recitation, visibly startling the child. | Raajje MV
The government has come under heavy public criticism following an incident where a child reciting the Quran was startled during the official ceremony to inaugurate the "Boduthakurufaanu Memorial Gate" in HA. Utheemu, held to mark National Day.
A video has been circulating on social media showing Ahmed Munaz, State Minister for the Ministry of Heritage, startling a child during a Quran recitation at the ceremony.
The video captures a moment during the ceremony, attended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and senior government officials, where State Minister for Heritage Ahmed Munaz approaches a child reciting the Quran and instructs them to shorten the recitation.
Defending the decision, senior government officials stated that the request to shorten the Quran recitation was made because President Muizzu and other high-ranking officials were wearing formal suits and found the intense heat difficult to bear. However, despite the instruction to cut the recitation short, the ceremony proceeded with a cultural dance performance by students from Utheemu School, which President Muizzu, the First Lady, and other senior officials watched while remaining out in the sun.
President Muizzu is facing a wave of public criticism on social media regarding this matter. Many are questioning why the President could not remain patient until the Quranic recitation had concluded. Furthermore, members of the public have expressed their concern, describing the incident as both regrettable and deeply disappointing.
While many believe that requesting a shorter Quranic recitation is not inherently problematic, many argue that this action has allowed the public to gauge the true level of priority accorded to the Holy Quran.
