The number of Maldivians expected to complete memorisation of the Holy Quran is set to rise significantly during the forthcoming Ramadan, with graduates projected to double compared with the previous year, according to Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs.
Minister Shaheem shared the projection via social media, identifying the 27th night of Ramadan as the intended graduation milestone. That date is set to coincide with a series of assessments currently underway across multiple regions and with newly introduced government-backed measures designed to support Hafiz students and formally recognise their achievement. Examinations are being held in three regions, he stated, reflecting the government’s broader effort to uphold academic standards and reinforce the spiritual significance of Quranic memorisation.
The scale of participation in memorisation programmes reflects growing national interest. According to data from the National Centre for the Holy Quran, 266 individuals have received formal recognition as Hafizes, those honoured for committing the entire Quran to memory, a distinction deeply respected within Islamic tradition.
In addition to recognised graduates, 1,434 students are actively enrolled in memorisation courses at 20 centres across the country, with female participants numbering 783 and male participants totalling 651. At the institutional level, the Malé branch of the Holy Quran Centre leads with 424 students, followed by Hulhumalé with 155 and the Ilm Institute of Islamic Studies with 127. Island-based centres have also registered robust participation, with the Kinolhas branch in Raa Atoll accounting for 80 students and the Fuvahmulah City centre hosting 67.
Responding to the momentum surrounding these efforts, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has authorised a doubling of the monthly state allowance for Hafizes, increasing the sum from USD 129.72 to USD 259.44. In addition to expanding financial support, the government has restructured the certification system for Hafiz graduates to align with Maldives Qualifications Authority standards, formally integrating religious achievement into the national academic framework.
The scope of recognition extends beyond policy and financial measures, with the government launching a dedicated initiative to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages for Hafizes. To further honour this accomplishment, the state will award a presidential medal to every individual who successfully completes the memorisation, irrespective of proficiency level.