Ibrahim Shihab

Honorable Maldivian Al-Usthaaz Ibrahim Shihab (1926–1988), was an influential Maldivian writer, poet, essayist and statesman. He was the son of scholar Husain Salaahuddin. Hussain salaahuddin was a poet and many other things.

Ibrahim Shihab is considered as one of the most prolific writers of Maldivian literature at a time named 'Era of Crawling' (Dhivehi: ޅަފަތުގެ ދައުރު). He was one of the few persons who dared to stand up to the despotic rule of Mohamed Ameen Didi. During Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's parliament sessions, Ibrahim Shihab was also the only person vocal in standing against despotic rules in the Majlis.

Life

He began at Maldivian Government's Service as clerk, Mahkamathul Dhaakhiliyyaa (from 14.1.1942 to 27.4.1951). After that he rose and held various high government posts, on 26 Muharram 1379 (3 August 1959) Ibrahim Shihab was designated of Attorney General and Mahukamathul Irushaadiyya in the cabinet elected by President Ibrahim Nasir. During his life he held also Ministerial posts, was appointed as one of the Vice Presidents, and became a Member of the Committee set up by the Cabinet to review and amend the Constitution.

He served as the speaker of People's Majlis from 1982 to 1988.

Towards the end of his life he was also named President of the Council for linguistic and historical research.

Among his works, the General introduction to the concept of history, Preface to the Dhivehi Tareek is a good sample of his style.

Ibrahim Shihab was loved and respected by Maldivians. At the time of his death the Television Maldives announcer giving the news broke down and cried..