Youth Ministry denies claim officials linked timely prayers to extremism

Youth Ministry has denied allegations officials told participants of a recent session of the ministry-run “Hafthaares” program that performing prayers in time was a sign of religious extremism.

The incident in question allegedly took place during a recent session of the “Hafthaares” program in R. Ungoofaaru.

The Youth Ministry denied the allegations in a statement on Monday evening.

“We have been running the program for three years. We have never done something like that and never will. This ministry assures you of that,” said the ministry.

The ministry said that it had never received any such complaint from any island the program had been run in.

The ministry also urged against making allegations that could undermine trust in such programs run for the betterment of local communities.

The program is run in islands across Maldives to promote principles of Islam and good virtues, said the ministry.

The statement comes after Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali was questioned regarding the allegation at the Parliament earlier Monday.