Wednesday 11 Mar 2026
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the Minister of Islamic Affairs speaking at the Higher Education Assistance awarding ceremony, where scholarships for Islamic studies were awarded through the Zakat Fund on August 16, 2025. (Photo/Islamic Ministry)
Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has formally requested that colleges and universities refrain from scheduling academic classes during the hours designated for Taraweeh prayers throughout the month of Ramadan. This directive follows numerous complaints from students regarding scheduling conflicts that hinder their ability to participate in nightly worship. The Minister emphasized the spiritual significance of the month and noted that the government has already implemented measures, such as closing offices during the final ten days of Ramadan, to facilitate religious observance among the public.
Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has urged colleges to avoid scheduling classes during Taraweeh prayer hours in Ramadan.
Since the beginning of the fasting month, some colleges have been holding night classes that overlap with Taraweeh. In a post on Monday, the minister said several students had complained that their colleges were conducting classes during the time allocated for Taraweeh prayers.
Shaheem said it is important that colleges organising evening classes ensure they do not interfere with Taraweeh, noting that most mosques complete the prayer by 9:00 pm, while the earliest finish around 8:30 pm.
He added that Ramadan is a month dedicated to worship, and Islam encourages night‑time devotion. The government has also closed offices for the last ten days of Ramadan to allow people more time for religious observance. This year, government offices closed starting Monday.
