Maldives records steady rise in Quran memorizers ahead of Ramadan

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The number of people who have fully memorized the Holy Quran in Maldives has reached 291, with authorities projecting that the figure will cross 300 before the start of Ramadan, reflecting a sustained expansion of state-supported Islamic education programs.

The update was announced by Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the country’s minister of Islamic affairs, who attributed the growth to long-term government initiatives aimed at strengthening Quranic learning across the island nation.

In Islamic tradition, individuals who memorize the entire Quran are known as Huffaz (singular: Hafiz), a distinction that carries religious, social, and educational significance across Muslim societies. 

In Maldives, Quran memorization has historically been encouraged through mosques and community institutions, but officials say recent years have seen a more structured, nationwide approach.

As part of what the government describes as a vision to nurture a “Quran-centered society,” the monthly state allowance provided to Huffaz has been doubled, while additional incentives — including Umrah pilgrimage opportunities — have been introduced for students who successfully complete memorization programs.

A national graduation ceremony for 30 newly qualified Huffaz is scheduled to be held on the 27th day of Ramadan, a date regarded by many Muslims as spiritually significant. Officials have described the event as a milestone in the country’s contemporary Islamic education efforts.

According to figures shared by the ministry, more than 1,500 students are currently enrolled in Quran memorization programs across Maldives. The government has set a target of producing 500 certified Huffaz within the next five years, signaling an expansion of both institutional capacity and financial support for religious learning.

In a further policy shift, the President’s Special Medal — previously awarded only to top-performing Quran memorizers — is now being conferred on all graduates who complete the memorization process, a move intended to broaden recognition and encourage wider participation.

Officials say the program is designed not only to preserve religious tradition but also to provide structured educational pathways for young Maldivians, particularly in outer islands where access to formal religious institutions has historically been limited.

With Ramadan approaching, authorities expect additional students to complete memorization in the coming weeks, pushing the national total beyond the 300 mark for the first time.