Endowment Projects to End Islamic Sector Funding Shortage Within Two Years

The Maldives is moving toward a self-sustaining financial model for its religious sector, with endowment projects expected to eliminate funding shortages within two years. Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that the strategic shift focuses on generating independent income to maintain the nation's 800 mosques. To lead this modernization, the government established Maldives Endowment Investments Limited via Presidential Decree. While the company will not take over mosque management, its primary mandate is to engage in Sharia-compliant business activities to fund repairs and renovations. Six endowment-building projects are currently underway, designed to provide a steady revenue stream that reduces reliance on the national budget. Minister Shaheem emphasized that the government is adopting global models for Islamic centers, which include integrating commercial activities such as bookshops to ensure long-term viability. He noted that these endowment buildings will provide direct benefits to the specific islands and atolls where they are constructed. Parallel to financial reforms, the Ministry is addressing a critical shortage of religious leadership. With 65 mosques currently lacking permanent imams and 101 more under construction, the government has launched a national project to cultivate a new generation of khatheebs and imams. The Minister warned that the current religious workforce is aging, creating an urgent need for young professionals to fill the gap. Since the program's inception in 2024, 700 young khatheebs and imams have been trained in a curriculum combining modern education with Tajweed, Quranic studies, and Islamic jurisprudence. To further enhance expertise, the government has provided 100 training opportunities abroad in countries including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. In addition to training, the Ministry has increased salaries for imams to make the profession more sustainable and attractive to young scholars. By combining financial independence through endowments with a robust training pipeline, the government aims to secure the future of Islamic services across the archipelago.