SJ Construction has attributed prolonged delays in completing the mosque under construction in Hulhumalé Phase 2 to repeated failures and negligence by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, stating that key approvals, drawings, and contractual renewals were never provided despite years of follow-up.
The company made the claims in a detailed letter addressed to Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, outlining a timeline of stalled approvals, missing blueprints, and what it describes as administrative inaction that ultimately led to the construction deadline expiring.
Allegations Over Private Messages and Public Accusations
The letter, signed by SJ Director Shihad Ibrahim, was sent after what the company says were inappropriate WhatsApp messages from Minister Shaheem. According to SJ, the minister accused the company of conducting private business after “stealing MVR 30 million” and shared a news screenshot about SJ developing a resort, allegedly questioning why the mosque was not being completed instead.
SJ has formally requested the minister to clarify the allegation and provide evidence if public funds were misused, questioning how shareholders could have been involved in any such wrongdoing.
Agreement Drafted by Company Due to Lack of Ministry Capacity
According to SJ, the Islamic Ministry did not have professional staff capable of drafting the construction agreement and asked the company to prepare it instead. While the ministry initially wanted to sign the draft without changes, SJ said it refused until the Attorney General’s Office reviewed it.
Shihad stated that the agreement was later amended based on the Attorney General’s recommendations. Structural and architectural drawings provided by the ministry were also incorporated into the agreement, with responsibility placed on the ministry to correct defects and provide missing components.
Blueprint Issues and Qiblah Discrepancies
SJ explained that the mosque’s design differs from traditional mosques in the Maldives, featuring a courtyard with concrete arches connected to the main prayer hall. Ablution areas and bathrooms were planned within this courtyard, making precise Qiblah alignment critical.
However, Shihad said the Qiblah direction in the official blueprint did not match the orientation shown on-site by the ministry. Correcting this discrepancy reportedly resulted in a two-meter loss in the concrete arches, prompting the ministry to halt work on both the courtyard and mosque until revised drawings were submitted.
Missing Drawings Delayed Work for Years
The company claims that essential blueprints were not provided for nearly three years. In 2023, SJ formally requested structural drawings for the mosque’s dome, which were missing entirely.
The dome, designed to be 80 feet by 40 feet and egg-shaped, could not be constructed safely without structural specifications, Shihad said.
When Minister Shaheem visited the site on 2 September 2025, he reportedly expressed concern over the dome’s size and asked for a redesign due to potential maintenance challenges. SJ said it complied and resubmitted revised drawings, but approval has still not been granted.
Agreement Expired, Extensions Not Approved
SJ highlighted that none of its Extension of Time submissions were approved, even as the minister continued to announce new deadlines. The agreement expired on 18 July 2024, and a request sent to the President’s Office in October 2023 was only answered in May 2025, long after the contract had lapsed.
The company also alleged that the ministry failed to maintain proper records, including EOT submissions and meeting minutes. After a meeting on 24 June 2025, the ministry reportedly assured SJ that the agreement would be renewed within a week. That renewal never occurred.
SJ stated that after 341 days without a valid agreement and no response from the ministry, the contract was effectively voided.
Funding, Costs, and Dome Fabrication
The mosque is being funded through SJ’s equity and CSR funds under the state’s Zikura Mosque settlement agreement, with total costs estimated at MVR 70 million. According to the company’s 2024 audit report, expenses have exceeded the equity funds released under the agreement.
Despite the uncertainty, SJ said it took the risk of hiring a Malaysian firm to fabricate the dome. Payments were made through Ceylon Bank, and the dome is expected to be shipped to the Maldives in early February.
Track Record and Ongoing Projects
Shihad emphasized that SJ has completed 11 mosques and Islamic centers across the country and is simultaneously handling large-scale housing projects in Dhidhdhoo, Gan, Rasdhoo, Kurendhoo, and Feydhoo.
He questioned why projects in Hulhumalé were stalled when the company had successfully completed major developments on distant islands.
“The answer is simple. The party that awarded the project is irresponsible,” Shihad said.
Ministry Response and Public Criticism
The mosque project, awarded in January 2022 with a 420-day completion timeline, is located near Hiyaa Flats and Salahuddin School. It is designed to accommodate 1,400 worshippers, expanding to 3,000 with the courtyard.
The project has faced criticism on social media, along with allegations that SJ misused duty exemptions for mosque materials. The Islamic Ministry has previously denied granting any such exemptions.
The ministry also stated that construction resumed only after the current government took office. In February, Minister Shaheem said the mosque would be completed by the end of December, a deadline that has now passed.
