Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that 31 Huffaz will be honoured at this year’s graduation ceremony during Ramadan after completing memorisation of the Holy Quran.

The Minister stated that all arrangements for this year’s ceremony have now been finalised. He noted that the Huffaz examination process in the Maldives is conducted under a highly credible and rigorous system, with experienced Huffaz serving on the examination committees.

Explaining the process, the Minister said candidates are required to recite at least one Juz from memory each day until they complete the recitation of the entire Quran by heart. Some students, he added, recite two Juz per day as part of the assessment.

Dr Shaheem further stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has given special priority to increasing the number of Huffaz in the country, describing the current progress in this field as a blessing from Almighty Allah and a positive development for the nation.

The Minister also revealed that 37 Maldivian Huffaz have been assigned to lead Tarawees prayers in mosques across the Malé area during the upcoming Ramadan. Many of them are young and recognised for their quality recitation.

At the Islamic Centre and Salman Mosque, Tarawees prayers will be led by Maldivian Huffaz. In addition, young Khateebs will be given the opportunity to deliver Friday sermons at these mosques.

Changes have also been introduced to Tarawees prayer arrangements in several mosques. The number of mosques offering shorter Tarawees prayers has been increased. Larger mosques will also facilitate shorter congregations to accommodate high attendance.

The Government aims that by 2027, all Tarawees prayers led in the Malé area will be conducted by Maldivian Huffaz. Beyond Malé, a large number of Maldivian Huffaz will also lead Tarawees prayers in islands across the country this Ramadan.