Senior leadership of the Salaf organisation has resigned from the "Ilmuveringe Gulhun" (Scholars' Union) following an investigative report by the union, which declared that halting the Rasmalé project in its current form is a religious obligation for the government.
Adhadhu has learned that those who resigned from the Scholars' Union include the President of Salaf, Abdulla Mohamed, the organization's spokesperson, Hassan Moosa Fikuree, and Dr. Zahir. Salaf President Abdulla is the brother of the First Lady, Sajidha Mohamed.
When contacted to clarify the reasons for their departure from the Scholars' Union, both the Salaf President and the spokesperson did not answer their phones.
While these individuals have left the union, Salaf itself is conducting its own research and gathering information regarding the Rasmalé project. However, three weeks have passed since the organisation first announced it was studying the matter. Salaf has been known for its prompt public stances on such national issues.
A draft of the research conducted by a committee of the Scholars' Union, which has been circulated to its members, examines the government's decision to hand over Rasmalé to UAE-based Eagle Hills. The report notes that while engaging in trade and fostering relations with non-Muslims is permissible, such dealings must strictly adhere to Islamic principles.
Highlighting that the Rasmalé project currently fails to meet these requirements, the study asserts that stopping the project is a religious duty incumbent upon the government.
"The government still possesses the legal authority to suspend this project. Furthermore, it is a legal obligation for the government to halt it. Any further progress on this project must only occur through renegotiation," the study states.
The report warns of significant religious risks posed by the establishment of a large non-Muslim population near Malé.
A secret agreement to hand over Rasmalé to Eagle Hills was signed on September 21. Rasmalé, which was reclaimed using state funds, is being handed over without an acquisition cost or land rent.
The government claims the lease is for 99 years. As this is not currently permitted under existing laws, the government is working to draft new legislation to facilitate the project. Efforts are currently underway to sign a permanent agreement by November 11.
