Today is an occasion of history, which will indelibly remain with those of us who are fortunate to be here at this time. It is a time of joy and celebration for all Maldivians and a day in which all can take just pride. Indeed, it is a day and a time which will be one of special significance in the history of our country and its people.
For it is today that an Islamic Centre is, for the very first time, being opened in the Maldives. This is of course of great moment because we are as a nation and a country united 100% in heart and mind in our Islamic faith, and because of this occasion our identity as an Islamic nation will be greatly enhanced and established not just here but beyond our shores.
On this happiest of occasions, it is my first and bounden duty to give thanks to Allah Almighty for granting us in His wisdom and mercy this day. And may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad.
It is with considerable pleasure that I extend a sincere welcome to our distinguished guests who join us here to celebrate the seventeenth anniversary of our Republic and the opening of this Islamic Centre. The fact that you are here adds immensely to the richness of the occasion, which greatly increases the fraternal and close bonds which unite us in our Islamic family of nations. Your presence is a matter for our pride and our gratitude and, furthermore, serves to demonstrate the mutual respect and unity which exists between us. It is my sincere wish that the time you spend with us will be both happy and memorable.
Today we turn a new page in the history of our people and our country, and especially so in our history as an Islamic nation. For though the Islamic faith has prevailed in the Maldives for over 800 years, this is the very first time, as I have remarked, that a centre exclusively for the worship of Allah and for Islamic studies has been opened. Since I assumed the duties of President I have entertained the concept of constructing a centre such as this in Male’ which will confirm and reflect our national position and serve to advance and protect our religion and indeed our cultural heritage. It will, I believe, not only exist to serve the people of this country but other Islamic peoples beyond our shores.
From the time I first conceived the idea of an Islamic Centre, I worked towards seeking assistance from those fraternal Muslim nations close to us, and with the grace of Almighty Allah the financial and material assistance which we have been so fortunate to receive has been equal to the task. But for such generous help we would not have seen the Islamic Centre here today, and it is both fitting and proper that I mention with due gratitude those who so readily afforded us the assistance we required. Among many, I would mention His Majesty King Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Jabir Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the Malaysian Prime Minister, His Excellency Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Hosny Mubarak and the President of Pakistan, His Excellency General Mohamed Zia-ul-Haq. Even the architect Mr. Haji Hajeedar bin Abdul Majid of Malaysia gave generous assistance by making a sizeable reduction from his contract fees.
I would especially thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia who is with us today. The Prime Minister has taken a very special interest in the project, visiting the site during the early days of construction and giving valuable advice and assistance to the Malaysian contractors. To him I record a special debt of gratitude. I would also mention the President of Pakistan, General Mohamed Zia-ul-Haq. While he unfortunately could not be with us today he very thoughtfully telephoned me yesterday to wish this occasion well. Throughout the project General Mohamed Zia-ul-Haq has shown kind interest and indeed, given us valuable material assistance.
In the name of the Government and people of the Maldives and in my own name, I thank all those who extended their sincere co-operation to the Islamic Centre Project. Their co-operation demonstrates in no small manner the regard they have for the Maldives and shows still further the importance they attach to the oneness of Islam.
I must also mention here the young Maldivian artists who worked so well and so diligently in decorating the main prayer hall of the Mosque. Theirs is a work of art which is a true monument to Maldivian workmanship. The work done by these young people, who worked with the minimal amount of tools and yet completed their work in a remarkably short space of time, is worthy of highest praise.
I would also like to thank the following people who were closely involved in the construction of the Centre: my Special Advisor, the Honourable Ali Umar Maniku, who worked with great devotion to duty, and spent considerable time and energy in facilitating and supervising all stages of the project; the Minister of Trade and Industries, the Honourable llyas Ibrahim who assisted in importing various items needed for construction of the Centre and continued to oversee the work almost daily; my Public Works Consultant, Mr. Abdulla Kamaludeen who worked continuously, without a break, with a devotion and a sincerity which has been remarkable.
The Islamic Centre which is being opened today represents many divine blessings - the first assistance was received from Saudi Arabia, the land of the birth of Islam. The fact that this Centre is being opened in the presence of the highly respected head of Islam’s greatest educational establishment, the Grand Sheikh of EI-Azhar, and of Sheikh Mohamed AI-Subail, the Imam of the Holy Haram of Makkah is of special significance. In the same manner, the most famous Qari in the world today Sheikh Abdul Basset Abdul Samad is present in this meeting and his glorious recitation of verses from the Holy Quran has fittingly graced the occasion. I sincerely hope that this Centre will be a torch which will light up anew the entirety of our nation with Islamic faith for all eternity.
With these words and hopes, and in the name of Almighty Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, I declare open the Masjid Al-Sultan Mohammad Thakurufaan Al-A”z’am and the Islamic Centre.