The number of students graduating as Hafizs, is expected to double during the upcoming month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced.

In a social media update, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that a significant number of Hafizs will graduate on the 27th night of Ramadan. The Ministry confirmed that examinations for certification are currently underway in three regions across the country.

Latest statistics from the Centre for the Holy Qur’an show that there are currently 266 certified Hafizs in the Maldives. An additional 1,434 students, 783 females and 651 males are enrolled in Qur’an memorisation programmes at 20 registered centres nationwide.

The highest enrolment is recorded at the Malé branch of the Centre for the Holy Qur’an, with 424 students. This is followed by the Hulhumalé branch, hosting 155 students, and the Ilm Institute of Islamic Studies, which has 127 students. In the atolls, the Kinolhas branch has the largest number of students (80), followed by Fuvahmulah with 67.

To support Qur’an education, the Government has implemented a range of incentive programmes. Under the Administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the monthly allowance for certified Hafizs has been increased from MVR 2,000 to MVR 4,000. In addition, the certification awarded to graduates has been upgraded to meet standards set by the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA).

The Government has also introduced initiatives to sponsor Umrah pilgrimages for Hafizs and to award the President’s Special Medal to all certified individuals, regardless of their examination level.