Tag: ministry of islamic affairs

Islamic Ministry calls for ban on mixed-gender dancing

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has sent a circular to all government institutions banning the holding of any mixed gender dance events.

The circular, which was sent to all government offices, council offices and media, also calls for adolescent girls to be banned from activities requiring them to dance.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed called on the government to cease including activities such as dancing and singing to mark various occasions.

The administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed had included such dancing in official celebrations to promote and preserve traditional Maldivian culture. However Shaheem said such activities contravened the disciplinary guidelines and customs of Islam. It is unclear whether the call in the circular is legally enforceable under existing regulations.

The Ministry said it was acceptable to hold performances which fall within the boundaries of Islamic customs and disciplinary norms. Events such as children’s activities, performances exhibiting military skills, parades, playing the national anthem, boy scouts and girl guides performances, and the folk dance ‘Thaara’ were acceptable forms of entertainment, according to the Ministry.

‘Thaara’, dhivehi for ‘tambourine’ is a folk dance where performers sit in parallel rows, singing and dancing. This is performed specifically by men. The traditional songs sung during ‘Thaara’ are mostly in Arabic and the activity itself is said to have entered Maldivian culture through Arab influence.

The Islamic Ministry stated that its mandate is to provide religious counsel to the government, to plan state-organised initiatives of spreading and strengthening islamic values among Maldivians, and to teach citizens the righteous ways outlined in the religion.

Shaheem told Minivan News today that the directives in the circular were intended for both state bodies and individual citizens. He made no further comment.

The call for gender segregated performances comes after the government held a belated Independence Day celebration on September 9. The event was held at the National Stadium and featured dances and other performances by school children and the security forces.

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Cabinet backs national mental health policy

The government will implement a national policy on mental health in accordance with a plan presented by the Ministry of Health and Family.

The decision was made following today’s Cabinet meeting.

Among the policy’s main objectives are improving accessibility to mental rehabilitation programs; decentralising services for medical and psychological health; and providing sufficient financial support to the mental health sector.

The mental health sector has historically been a weak point in the nation’s profile. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Health and Family, the issue is closely related to drug and sexual abuse–both of which are serious concerns for the Maldives.

Stating that “1 out of every 3 women have experienced some form of sexual abuse with varying degrees of severity between the.ages of 15-49,” the report observes that “mental health issues and drug misuse can be congruently mapped.

“Various studies, in the Maldives, have indicated that most female clients who misuse drugs have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Additionally, other studies have revealed the lack of educational and vocational opportunities and the lack of inexpensive leisure activities.”

As of 2006 the Maldives had few mental health services and no clear mental health policy, a World Health Organisation (WHO) report found. Addressing that point, a 2011 report on the nation’s prison system recommended establishing a clear mental health act “to address the rights of offenders with a mental illness or mental disability.”

Meanwhile, a number of former inmates have reported suffering from mental disorders which either developed or were exacerbated during their time in prison.

In other news, the Cabinet also discussed the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ proposal to make Male’s Islamic Centre a national building.

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Dr Baari says President is not trying to establish a church in the Maldives

Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdul Majeed Abdul Baari said accusations made by the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) that President Mohamed Nasheed is seeking advice from the Islamic Ministry to establish a church in the Maldives are false, reports Miadhu.

Dr Baari said “missionary work has been in the Maldives for quite some time. But this government is working with the Islamic Ministry to eradicate that work.”

He pointed out several instances in which the previous government was linked to ‘spreading Christianity’ such as the opening of Salaam School, which was opened by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom himself.

Minister Baari claimed Christian missionaries had been using the word ‘salaam’ to spread their religion in Muslim countries and said Gayoom was then forced to close the school.

He mentioned a teacher in Mauhadh school who was trying to spread Christianity in the school and was sent to another island, but not removed from the country.

Dr Baari also mentioned the former president’s personal photographer, Najmi, was convicted for translating the Bible into Dhivehi language, and said several members of the previous administration were distributing Christian books in the country.

He said Naseer’s comments were a hoax and there was no truth in the matter.

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President inaugurates Islamic Fair 2010

President Nasheed inaugurated the 2010 Islamic Fair yesterday afternoon. The fair has been organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and is being held at the Islamic Centre in Malé.

This is the first-ever Islamic Fair held in Maldives. President Nasheed told Miadhu that such fairs would be held across the country in the future. He also said the fair shows the Islamic Ministry is fulfilling its purpose by showcasing the country’s Islamic faith.

There are different stalls which provide the public with books, CDs and information on Islam, democracy and the country. The President visited the stalls after the inauguration.

The fair will continue until 15 February.

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