Maldivians can remain united only by holding fast to Islam

Today's Friday sermon said Islam had enabled the Maldives to remain united and independent throughout the 900 years its people have remained steadfast in the faith, and that Maldivians could continue to live as a united people only by holding fast to the principles of Islam.

Today's Friday sermon, delivered on the theme of remaining steadfast in Islam, said extensive efforts were needed in the legal and political spheres and through the education system to ensure that the noble principles of Islam endure in the Maldives.

It highlighted the importance of implementing the rulings of Islamic Sharia, establishing a robust system to ensure laws do not contradict the fundamentals of Islam, and shaping the judicial system in accordance with Sharia's criminal, civil, family and financial rulings. It also said electoral manifestos should prioritise protecting the objectives of Sharia.

Highlighting the importance of designing the education curriculum and raising children in a way that protects the Islamic faith, the sermon said Quran centres, Islamic universities and colleges should be established, and programmes expanded to train people in various fields needed by an Islamic society, including hafiz and imams. The sermon also called for gentle, accessible approaches to religious outreach and for people to shun rigid ideologies.

The sermon advised against declaring people unbelievers without any evidence, supporting terrorism, and acting in ways that divide society and breed hatred. It also said congregational prayers and upholding the social principle of enjoining good and forbidding evil were essential to social cohesion.

The sermon urged every family to give their children an upbringing rooted in Islamic morals and every individual to strengthen their own Islamic faith. It said a good individual was a pillar of a good family, and a good society was the foundation of a good state.