President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed his optimism that the Islamic New Year will bring greater fortune and prosperity to the entire Islamic community, in spite of the challenges from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The president said this in his message to mark the beginning of the new Islamic Year 1442, on the Hijri calendar.

Noting that “the entire global community is faced with trying circumstances,” Solih said that our responsibility is “to learn from hardships, while also reflecting on years past.”

He added that Islamic history “is replete with examples highlighting the importance of Muslims maintaining their strong communal bonds,” and added that countries and communities can only progress “through collective effort.”

Further noting that like Maldives, many other countries are “also suffering the consequences of the pandemic,” he said that this has led to socio-economic obstacles and slowed down the pace of progress.

While Solih expressing his firm determination that the Maldives’ post-pandemic future should give much greater roles and responsibilities to women and youth, he noted that the government “will require the help of its citizens in its efforts to build back better”.

The president also urged all to look after their families and to especially attend to the needs of the vulnerable, such as children and the elderly.

President Solih ended the message with prayer, for all of humanity, seeking to protect all from the dangers of Covid-19, and to ensure their good health and well-being.

The Islamic New Year is a public holiday. It represents the starting point of the Muslim era as it coincides with the Hijrah, the Prophet's journey from Mecca to Medina on the first of Muharram in 622 CE.