Quran Memorisation Graduates Expected to Double in Upcoming Ramadan, Says Islamic Minister
The number of Maldivians expected to complete the memorisation of the Holy Quran is projected to rise significantly during the upcoming Ramadan, with graduates likely to double compared with the previous year, according to the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
The minister shared the projection on social media, noting that the 27th night of Ramadan has been set as the graduation milestone. This date will coincide with ongoing assessments across several regions and is supported by newly introduced government-backed measures to assist Hafiz students and formally recognise their achievements.
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Examinations are currently being conducted in three regions as part of the government’s efforts to uphold academic standards and reinforce the spiritual importance of Quranic memorisation.
Participation in memorisation programmes continues to grow nationally. Data from the National Centre for the Holy Quran shows that 266 individuals have so far received formal recognition as Hafizes, a highly respected distinction in Islamic tradition.
In addition to those already recognised, 1,434 students are actively enrolled in memorisation courses at 20 centres nationwide. Among them, 783 are female and 651 are male. The Malé branch of the Holy Quran Centre leads participation with 424 students, followed by Hulhumalé with 155 and the Ilm Institute of Islamic Studies with 127. Centres in the atolls also report strong enrolment, including the Kinolhas branch in Raa Atoll with 80 students and the Fuvahmulah City centre with 67 students.
In response to the increasing interest and momentum, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has approved a doubling of the monthly state allowance for Hafizes, raising it from USD 129.72 to USD 259.44.
The government has also revised the certification process for Hafiz graduates to bring it in line with Maldives Qualifications Authority standards, formally integrating their religious accomplishments into the national academic system.
