2024 marked a year of significant advancements in the Islamic sector of the Maldives. Through comprehensive initiatives, the Government prioritised strengthening Islamic education, enhancing religious services, and addressing socio-economic challenges through faith-based programmes.

A cornerstone of the Government’s efforts was the training and development of young imams and khatibs. Over the past year, 270 khatibs were trained, including 252 in Malé and 18 through a Youth Khatib Programme held in Addu. This initiative aims to produce 1,000 young khatibs within five years, ensuring the continuation of strong Islamic leadership across the nation.

In line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's manifesto, the Government introduced a scheme to facilitate free Hajj pilgrimages for 1,000 underprivileged individuals over five years. In 2024, 50 people from the low-income and orphans registry were selected to perform the Hajj, marking the beginning of a transformative initiative to ensure equal access to religious obligations.

The Government also took significant steps to modernise Islamic education. A collaboration with the High Commission of Pakistan led to plans for a new building for the Islamic University of Maldives, which will also host foreign students. Efforts to expand free Quran recitation classes resulted in programmes being conducted in mosques across 14 atolls, including Malé, Vilimalé, and Hulhumalé, with 29 educated individuals willing to teach students for free. These initiatives ensure that Islamic education is accessible to all, reflecting the Administration's commitment to preserving faith and tradition.

To improve the condition of mosques nationwide, the Government launched the Masjid Portal, an online system for monitoring mosque conditions and addressing maintenance issues. The portal also allows for people to get to know the imams and file complaints and give feedback. The annual budget for mosque renovations was increased threefold, with MVR 19.5 million allocated, including MVR 4.5 million from the Waqf Fund and MVR 15 million from the state budget. 

The Ministry launched Atoll Waqf and City Waqf projects to support mosque renovations and expand Islamic activities in local communities. Revenue from leased Waqf properties was channelled towards education, health, and support for underprivileged families. Additionally, the Maldives Zakat House was established to manage the Zakat system more effectively. By investing Zakat proceeds in Sharia-compliant projects, the Government enhanced financial sustainability while addressing social needs. The Zakat house also has a plot of land allocated in Hulhumalé for its headquarters, slated for construction in 2025.

In 2024 the Maldives Hajj Corporation implemented policies to invest in Shariah-approved areas and simplify pilgrimage processes. A Cabinet paper was submitted to further develop the corporation, underscoring the Government’s commitment to facilitating accessible and affordable Hajj services.

Between December 2023 and September 2024, MVR 89 million was collected as property Zakat, the highest in the nation's history. Of this, MVR 12.7 million was distributed to 3,184 individuals registered under the underprivileged line, with each receiving MVR 4,000—the largest per capita amount ever disbursed. 

The Ministry expanded opportunities to learn Arabic, introducing tailored courses for imams, with 96 participants across different levels, with 56 imams completing level 1 and level 2 of the course and 40 imams currently undergoing level 3 and level 4 of the course. Efforts to establish Islamic libraries in mosques were also initiated, providing resources for spiritual and educational growth in communities nationwide.

A National Assembly on Mosques was established to create a special advisory committee for the President. Composed of scholars, the committee oversees mosque conditions and offers strategic guidance on religious matters. 

The Administration facilitated Umrah pilgrimages for Hafiz's, with six individuals benefiting from the programme in 2024. This project, alongside the broader aim of increasing the number of Hafiz's, reflects the Government’s dedication to nurturing devotion to the Quran.

Under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and with the guidance of the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, 2024 marked a transformative year for Islamic services in the Maldives, with record-breaking achievements in Zakat collection, mosque management, and religious education. These initiatives lay a strong foundation for the continued growth of Islamic institutions and practices across the nation.