The Presidential Medal and Prize for individuals who have memorised the Holy Quran in its entirety will be awarded on the night of 1 March, the President’s Office has announced.

The award ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, will be held at the Islamic Centre. A total of 50 Huffaz are scheduled to receive the honours this year.

The most recent awards ceremony took place on 2 Rabi’ al-Akhir 1446 AH, marking the anniversary of the Maldives’ acceptance of Islam, during which 28 Huffaz were honoured.

The Presidential Medal for Huffaz was introduced in 2014 and was first presented at the Republic Day celebrations that year. Initially, the award was conferred on individuals who attained the highest ranks in Quran memorisation. The current policy extends the Presidential Medal to all individuals who complete memorisation of the Holy Quran.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said the total number of Huffaz in the Maldives has reached 291. The ministry said Quran memorisation programmes are conducted at 20 centres nationwide, with the highest enrolment recorded at centres in Malé and Hulhumalé.

The Government has also taken steps to encourage Quran memorisation by increasing State support for Huffaz. The monthly allowance for those who have memorised the Quran has been doubled from MVR 2,000 to MVR 4,000.

The Ministry said more than 1,500 individuals are currently enrolled in Quran memorisation programmes across Malé and the atolls. The Government has set a target to increase the number of Huffaz to 500 within the next five years, in efforts to promote Quranic education and religious learning in the Maldives.