Sheikh Nishan Warns Ras Male' Could Enable Religious Freedom for Non-Believers
8 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 14:19Sheikh Nishan has expressed grave concern over the allocation of land to a foreign company under the Ras Male' project, labeling it a threat to the Maldives' independence and Islamic identity. He warned that such a move could lead to the permanent settlement of non-Muslims in the country, potentially relegating Maldivian citizens to second-class status. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, he stated that this is a critical issue directly impacting the nation's sovereignty.
Religious scholar Sheikh Nishan Adam. | Avas
Prominent religious scholar Sheikh Adam Nishan has warned that leasing 500 hectares of reclaimed land from the Ras Male' project to Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills company for 99 years could have long-term consequences. He cautioned that this move might pave the way for non-Muslims to establish permanent residency, obtain Maldivian citizenship, and eventually secure the freedom to practice other religions within the country.
Sheikh Nishan made these remarks in a social media post. He stated that after researching the proposal to sell 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Ras Male' to UAE billionaire Mohamed Alabbar’s company, Eagle Hills, on a 99-year lease, he has identified issues that are deeply concerning and alarming.
Sheikh Nishan stated that this is an issue far more critical than a mere political disagreement or alignment. He emphasized that the ultimate outcome is inextricably linked to the preservation or loss of the Maldives' 900-year Islamic heritage, as well as the nation's independence and sovereignty.
He stated that this could serve as a gateway to the permanent loss of Maldivian territory, potentially placing it under the control of non-believers for an indefinite 99-year period with no prospect of the country ever reclaiming it.
Highlighting the opaque and close ties between the project's contractor, Mohamed Alabbar, and the Zionist state, Sheikh Nishan stated that this is a matter of extreme concern. He warned that the ultimate consequence could see portions of the Maldives falling under the influence of Zionists, potentially making the country a victim of their inhumane atrocities and oppression. Furthermore, he asserted there is no doubt that such a project would pave the way for the spread of immoral and indecent acts currently uncommon in the community, facilitating the proliferation of such vices across the nation.
Sheikh Nishan stated that, in the long term, this could serve as a gateway for non-believers to establish permanent residency in the Maldives, obtain citizenship, and secure the freedom to practice other religions. He further warned that the presence of wealthy foreign settlers could marginalize the local Muslim population, potentially reducing Maldivian citizens—particularly those living in Ras Male'—to second-class status in their own country.
He further stated that despite Dubai's immense development and wealth, it has become a hub for all forms of vice. Consequently, he expressed his desire that no part of this Islamic land, regardless of its size, should ever be transformed into a "second Dubai."
Furthermore, Sheikh Nishan stated that despite assurances from senior officials of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration that such issues would not arise and that necessary laws and regulations would be enacted, these claims remain unconvincing. He further noted that there is no certainty that the current administration's officials will remain in power for the next ten years.
