More than 300 young Khatibs will participate in the National Young Khatibs Convention on 13 September, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said.
The special convention will mark the 900th anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments said Sheikh Dr Yasser Al-Dosari, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, will attend the convention.
In a message shared with the media regarding this year's convention, Minister Dr Shaheem said the event aims to encourage young Khatibs who have taken the initiative to uphold Islamic principles for future generations. He said more than 300 Khatibs would participate.
The young Khatibs will also formally participate in the foundation-laying ceremony for a major mosque in Hulhumalé, the Minister said.
Minister Dr Shaheem said the Government places significant importance on building a strong generation of Muslim youth and safeguarding a bright Islamic future for the Maldives.
More than 700 young Khatibs have undergone training to date. However, some Khatibs from the atolls face difficulties travelling to Malé for this year's convention, while examinations will prevent others from attending.
The Ministry said participation in the National Young Khatibs Convention will be open to Khatibs who have completed the young Khatibs training programme and obtained their certificates.
Those who served as imams during Ramadan, memorised the Quran and led Taraweeh prayers will also be eligible to participate. The convention will also be open to imams and Khatibs under the age of 30 who currently serve in those roles.
Number of Huffaz in the Maldives reaches 322
The growing involvement of young people in Quran memorisation comes as the number of Huffaz in the Maldives has reached 322, with the Government aiming to increase the figure to 500 during its current term.
In a message shared with the media detailing these efforts, Minister Dr Shaheem welcomed the growing number of Huffaz. He said the growing number of young people in the field, and those memorising the Quran, would help secure a bright Islamic future for the Maldives.
The Minister said the number of Huffaz has now reached 322, with many expected to complete their memorisation by the coming Ramadan.
The Government has also taken measures to encourage Huffaz and expand Quran memorisation. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has increased Government support for Huffaz as an incentive, while the Government has further expanded Quran memorisation projects.
More than 2,000 students across the Maldives are currently memorising the Quran, Minister Dr Shaheem said. He noted that the largest numbers are studying at the Centre for the Holy Quran and Ilm Institute.
The Government is also working to spread knowledge of the Quran to every island. Under this policy, branches of the Centre for the Holy Quran have been registered and begun operating on 30 islands.
Work is under way to register branches in a further 20 locations, while development work is progressing at another 38 locations. Minister Dr Shaheem said the Government aims to extend the initiative to every island within the next two years.
The Minister also said the Government is adding Quran teaching responsibilities to the job descriptions of imams serving at branches of the Centre for the Holy Quran across the islands.
As efforts continue to increase the number of Huffaz in the Maldives, the Maldivian Government has requested support from the Saudi Government to hold an international Quran competition.
The Government said efforts to spread Quranic knowledge and develop the field receive support from the state budget, the Fi Sabilillah component of the Zakat Fund and contributions from benefactors.