Maldives plans nationwide rollout of Quran centers

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldivian government has announced plans to establish Quran centers on every inhabited island of the archipelago before the end of President Mohamed Muizzu’s term, describing the initiative as part of its duty to strengthen Islamic education and protect the country’s religious identity.

Officials said the scale of each facility will depend on the population, available land, and infrastructure of the island. With more than 185 inhabited islands across the Maldives, the rollout is expected to adapt to both remote atolls and crowded urban centers.

The initiative builds on earlier efforts that saw Islamic University campuses and study programs expand nationwide. Authorities say the new centers will give communities, especially youth, easier access to structured Quranic learning. 

For many in the Maldives, where Islam is enshrined in the constitution as the state religion, the project is seen as a reaffirmation that religious education is central to national life.

Land has also been allocated to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for a dedicated Waqf complex linked to the Quran centers. Waqf—charitable endowment in Islam—has historically funded mosques, schools, and social services across Muslim societies.

Maldivian officials say this new complex will serve as a hub for religious services and Quran-related programs, rooted in a centuries-old Islamic tradition.

Supporters of the policy stress that investing in Quran centers is not only about teaching the text itself, but about nurturing values, discipline, and community cohesion. 

By prioritizing Quranic education, the government argues it is preparing future generations to meet modern challenges while remaining firmly grounded in Islam.

Observers note that the Maldives joins a wider movement across the Muslim world to strengthen Quranic teaching as a foundation for social development.

For Maldivians, the nationwide network of centers reflects the belief that Islam offers both spiritual guidance and practical solutions in an era of rapid change.