The Government of the Maldives places high importance on preserving and promoting Islamic values, with particular focus on Qur’an memorisation (Hifz) and the training of Huffaz (certified memorizers of the Qur’an). Recent policies demonstrate a strong commitment to strengthening religious education, expanding institutions, and widening nationwide access.

A key measure has been the increase in the monthly allowance for certified Huffaz from MVR 2,000 to MVR 4,000, fulfilling a presidential pledge. This financial support acknowledges the Hafiz as a spiritual and cultural asset while encouraging more Maldivians to pursue memorisation of the Holy Qur’an.

The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) has extended its Hifz programmes to the atolls, making Qur’anic education more accessible beyond Malé. Alongside this, the University continues to nurture young preachers and to send Imams abroad for advanced training. The Government has also set a target of producing at least 100 new Huffaz annually. By July 2025, 266 individuals had been certified, with more than 1,400 others enrolled across 20 centres nationwide.

To support this expansion, the Qur’an Recitation Project is being extended to all islands with an Islamic Centre, and recitation initiatives are being introduced in mosques across the country. On 18 August 2025, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, confirmed that 50 students are expected to complete memorisation and receive certification during Ramadan 2026. He further reported that the Administration’s initiative to train 500 Huffaz is progressing well, describing it as one of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s principal Islamic pledges.

Certification has been simplified: graduates of IUM’s Hifz programmes now receive direct recognition as Huffaz without additional testing from the National Centre for the Holy Qur’an. This streamlining facilitates access to state allowances while reinforcing the credibility of academic institutions. At the same time, the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA), in consultation with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has authorised universities and colleges to deliver Qur’an-related courses online. While theoretical subjects such as Ma’aanil Qur’an and Uloomul Qur’an may be taught through e-learning, practical modules such as Thilawa and Hifz remain subject to in-person examinations.

Financial sustainability is also being addressed. In March 2025, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a long-term Awqaf (Islamic endowment) investment strategy, expected to generate annual returns of USD 6.5 million by 2045. These funds will help reduce reliance on the state budget while supporting the expansion of Qur’an classes and Hifz programmes across all inhabited islands.

In schools, Islamic awareness is increasingly embedded into daily activities, reinforcing faith and identity from an early age. The Islamee Risaalathu programme, delivered through mosques and media, complements this effort by instilling core Islamic teachings among students and communities.

Taken together, these initiatives demonstrate the Government’s firm resolve to embed Islamic values throughout Maldivian society. Through enhanced allowances, expanded access, streamlined certification, digital innovation, and sustainable funding, Hifz training is being elevated not only as an expression of faith but also as a key national policy priority.