KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Maldives' controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed, passed away suddenly on Monday evening upon arrival in Malaysia. Fareed had travelled to the country to attend a pre-planned religious seminar but collapsed while still at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Eyewitnesses say he was immediately given first aid, but medical personnel pronounced him dead shortly after. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

Sheikh Fareed was a prominent yet polarising figure in the Maldives’ religious and political circles. During the rule of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, he was arrested multiple times under the Religious Unity Law for delivering sermons without official license. The law prohibits individuals from preaching without government authorization.

Despite repeated run-ins with authorities, Fareed continued to conduct sermons across various islands and became a regular participant in opposition-led protests, particularly those organized by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He later served as the Deputy Head of the party’s Religious Affairs Committee but resigned, alleging that MDP was promoting views contrary to Islam.

Sheikh Fareed’s death has drawn mixed reactions on social media, reflecting the controversial nature of his legacy.