The number of Maldivians who have memorised the Qur’an has risen to 284, according to Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. He said the figure is expected to reach 500 within five years, with over 1,500 students currently engaged in Qur’anic memorisation, most of them children and youth. The Minister highlighted the increase in Huffaz allowance introduced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu last June to encourage more students. A total of 50 Hafiz are set to graduate this Ramadan, up from 24 at the last ceremony.