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The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has sent a circular to all government
institutions banning the holding of any mixed gender dance events.
The circular, which was sent to all government offices, council
offices and media, also calls for adolescent girls to be banned from
activities requiring them to dance.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed called
on the government to cease including activities such as dancing and
singing to mark various occasions.
The administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed had included
such dancing in official celebrations to promote and preserve
traditional Maldivian culture. However Shaheem said such activities
contravened the disciplinary guidelines and customs of Islam. It is
unclear whether the call in the circular is legally enforceable under
existing regulations.
The Ministry said it was acceptable to hold performances which fall
within the boundaries of Islamic customs and disciplinary norms. Events
such as children’s activities, performances exhibiting military skills,
parades, playing the national anthem, boy scouts and girl guides
performances, and the folk dance ‘Thaara’ were acceptable forms of
entertainment, according to the Ministry.
‘Thaara’, dhivehi for ‘tambourine’ is a folk dance where performers
sit in parallel rows, singing and dancing. This is performed
specifically by men. The traditional songs sung during ‘Thaara’ are
mostly in Arabic and the activity itself is said to have entered
Maldivian culture through Arab influence.
The Islamic Ministry stated that its mandate is to provide religious
counsel to the government, to plan state-organised initiatives of
spreading and strengthening islamic values among Maldivians, and to
teach citizens the righteous ways outlined in the religion.
Shaheem told Minivan News today that the directives in the circular
were intended for both state bodies and individual citizens. He made no
further comment.
The call for gender segregated performances comes after the
government held a belated Independence Day celebration on September 9.
The event was held at the National Stadium and featured dances and other
performances by school children and the security forces.
Via Minivan News
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