Sheikh Usman Abdulla, a recipient of the National Award of Honor, passed away on Monday morning.
A member of his family told Adhadhu that the Sheikh died while sitting on the bed after performing ablution for the dawn prayer.
He was 85 years old.
Usman served in the government for many years holding various positions including the Zakat department of the Islamic Ministry.
He was awarded the National Award of Honor in recognition of his services.
Usman studied overseas and returned to the Maldives in 1975. He served the country for 37 years.
He regularly devoted time to preaching in mosques and was a prominent figure in matters related to Zakat.
The government established the Zakat Office and appointed Usman as its head on April 1, 1983.
