Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that the government, under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has taken significant steps to expand and strengthen Quranic education in the Maldives.

Speaking at the opening of the 37th National Quran Reading Competition, Minister Dr Shaheem detailed a range of efforts to broaden access to Quranic learning.

For the first time, the National Quran Competition is being fully financed through the state budget, providing stable, long-term support for one of the nation’s most significant Islamic events. The ministry has also secured the land registry for the planned Quran Waqf building, designed to generate sustainable funding for Quranic education.

Preparations have begun for the 38th National Quran Competition, with new regulations being developed in consultation with scholars to improve standards and increase participation.

This year’s competition, which runs until 26 September, has drawn 1,037 participants from 119 institutions, reflecting the growing national interest in Quranic recitation and memorisation.

These steps underscore the government’s commitment to promoting Quranic knowledge and reinforcing the role of Islamic education in Maldivian society.