Imam suspended for delivering Friday sermon in Addu dialect

An imam has been suspended for delivering the Friday sermon in Addu dialect.

Mohamed Rasheed, from Addu’s Meedhoo district, was suspended for delivering the sermon in Addu dialect at the Masjid Majudhudheen on September 2.

An official from Addu City Council told Sun that many of the worshippers had found it “funny” when the imam delivered the sermon in Addu dialect.

He said many left the mosque in anger, accusing the imam of contempt for the sermon.

“When the dialect was changed, there are changes to ‘us’ and ‘you’ when its in Addu dialect. Some people found it funny. Some people hated it. Some people left the mosque. The incident was so serious the purpose of the sermon was lost,” said the official.

He said that following concerns over the decision change the Friday sermon sent by Islamic Ministry to Addu dialect, the council submitted the issue to the Addu Sermon Committee.

“The imam was suspended following orders from the Islamic Ministry,” said the official.

Islamic Ministry confirmed the imam’s suspension, and said the incident was under investigation.