Monday, February 23, 2009

Abdullah Nafiz of Meedhoo Passes Away


Abdullah Nafiz, a leading Meedhoo and Addu political figure during the 1950s and 60s, passed away on Monday morning at Male. Nafiz was 92 years of age and is survived by a wife, 3 sons and 6 daughters.

Born to an intellectual family of Meedhoo in 1916, Nafiz’s father was Dheshenaagey Ahmed Manik, son of Chief Justice Ibrahim Majduddeen. Nafiz entered public life at a very young age under the auspices of his elder brothers Mohammed Fenna Manikufaanu and Dheshenaagey Ibrahim Didi, and was in charge of the community businesses in Meedhoo.

Later, during the time of the breakaway republic, United Suvadive, Nafiz was elected to the Suvadive Parliament. [The historic photo above shows Nafiz (standing) speaking in the parliament. On his left are Mudim Thakhan from Hulhudu, Kalhaage Ali Manika from Hittadu and Gaduvaru Moosa Didi from Hittadu. This meeting was chaired by President Afif Didi. To the President's right are Kateeb Don Raha of Fedu, Eedhigalige Hussain Manikfan, Beyruge Afif and Mohammed Saeed of Hittadu.]

Intelligent, witty and flamboyant, Nafiz was perhaps the last of the traditional great leaders of Meedhoo. He provided visionary leadership to Meedhoo for 3 decades till his retirement as Island Chief of Meedhoo in the early 1980s.

A successful family man, Nafiz raised a family of educated sons and daughters who have made names for themselves in a wide variety of fields. They include Mohamed Farouk, well know author and former Deputy Minister of Atoll Administration and Abdul Rasheed, former Member of the Majlis. Nafiz was also father in law of Chief Justice Abdullah Saeed.

We pray to Almighty Allah to bestow on him the bliss of Paradise.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

may allah forgive his sins and reward him the jannah..!! aameen.!!

Anonymous said...

sincere condolences to the bereaved family.

Anonymous said...

Wish the family patience in their hour of sadness

muNsir said...

De shocking wave frm dis sense lesss tragedy were felt all ovr the world. , may he find rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.

My condolences.

Anonymous said...

May ALLAH grant him paradise and patience to his family. He is a good friend of my dad and I visited him 8 years ago with my dad. Indeed he was a visionary leader and a great politician of his time.I hope that one day a school or a commuity centre will be build in Meedhoo and named after him.

Anonymous said...

He was a legend in his time. Rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

Abdulla Nafiz was also one of the 3 member delegation sent by Suvadeeb Repulic of Addu to talk to the Government of Male'.
After Addu rejoined the Maldives, Nafiz represented Addu Atoll along with Moosa Ali Didi in Peoples' Special Majlis.
May Allah reward him eternal happiness in Paradise. Amen

Anonymous said...

The 3 brothers of Dheshenaage of Meedhoo were truly iconic figures.The eldest brother Fenna Manikfan was perhaps the richest man in Addu.their services to Meedhoo and Addu Atoll should be remembered.
With his passing away, the last of the leaders of Suvadeeb Repulic and the person who knew it all is lost.

Anonymous said...

Nafiz is the last surviving grand child of Chief Justice Ibrahim Majudhudheen.Ibrahim Majudhudheen had several illustious sons,grandsons and great grand sons and daughters.Just to name a few. Chief Justice, Ismail Bahauddeen was his son (uncle of Nafiz).Chief Justice Afeefudden(Bodufenvalhuge Seedhi) was his grand son.Former Ministers Abdul Hannan Haleem, Moomina Haleem,Mohamed Musthafa Hussain,Ahmed Mujuthaba,Ahmed Zahir(seena),Mhoammed Munawar were grandsons of Majudhu dheen.The current Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed is also one of his grand children.
May Allah reward Nafiz with eternal peace and happiness in the Hereafter.

Anonymous said...

Nafiz before he entered public life was a trader. He captained his own odi(ship)to Colombo,Galle and Bengal.He was also a licensed traders with NAAFI, the British armed services trading organization.

Anonymous said...

By the end of the breakaway rebellion in Addu Atoll, Her Majesty's Government pledged protection and safety to 7 prominent leaders of Addu Atoll including President Afeef. Nafiz was one of the 7 people .