Ministry discussing scholars' concerns over Kalhuvakaru Mosque

Heritage Minister Yumna Maumoon has said they are discussing the concerns raised by religious scholars regarding the new location of the Kalhuvakaru Mosque.

The historic landmark was dismantled in 2016 by former President Abdulla Yameen’s government to make way for the Winter Park at Sultan Park.

The new government has decided to re-assemble and place the mosque on the corner of Chaandhanee Magu and Medhuziyaarai Magu, which previously held the Dhiraagu head office.

Since the new location also faces the Islamic Center, former Islamic University Chancellor and Yameen’s running mate in the recent election, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem, expressed disapproval of two mosques facing each other, emphasizing that Prophet Muhammad had forbidden it.

However, Dr. Shaheem said that the new location is fine if the mosque is to just be used as a historic landmark and not for prayer congregations.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, minister Yumna highlighted that Maldivians had been praying at the mosque for 200 years until it was dismantled to make way for ‘a playground’, and said that she is happy to see scholars giving their opinion on the work to re-establish the mosque and added that the government is discussing and addressing the concerns.

The coral-stone mosque, which showcases traditional design work, was built in 1789 during the rule of Sultan Hassan Nooradeen Iskandhar. It stood on a coral foundation carved with intricate designs and was held up by wooden beams engraved with Arabic calligraphy.