Shaheem: 322 Hafiz in the Maldives at present, aim to increase to 500 in next two years

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, on Saturday night, stated that the Maldives currently has the highest number of Hafiz (individuals who have memorized the Holy Quran) in the country’s history, with the total number reaching 322.

Speaking at a special ceremony commemorating the day the Maldives embraced Islam, Minister Shaheem highlighted ongoing efforts to promote and expand knowledge of the Holy Quran, which he underscored is a key priority outlined in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s manifesto. The Minister added that the government aims to increase the number of Hafiz in the Maldives to 500 within the next two years.

Minister Shaheem also noted that the allowance provided to Hafiz has been increased under the current administration.

Elaborating on the expansion of Quranic education, Minister Shaheem said that 30 branches of the National Centre for the Holy Quran have already been established across various islands. He added that 20 additional locations are currently undergoing registration, while construction is in progress at 58 other sites. According to the Minister, the budget for the coming year also includes provisions for establishing more than 30 additional centers.

"The Maldives is producing the highest number of Hafiz in its history during this period. Today, there are 322 Hafiz in the country. Our target is to work towards increasing this number to 500 within the next two years," Minister Shaheem stated.

The Minister further announced that the foundation stone for the King Dharumavantha Mosque, which is expected to become the largest mosque ever constructed in the Maldives, will be laid in the near future.

Addressing the factors that have enabled the Maldives to remain an Islamic nation, Minister Shaheem attributed this to the grace of Almighty Allah, alongside the constitutional and legal safeguards protecting Islam. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong legislative framework in Parliament to ensure that all future laws remain aligned with Islamic principles.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister called on Maldivians to place national unity above political differences when confronting challenges to the country’s religion and sovereignty. He urged citizens to remain firm and united on matters relating to their faith and national independence, regardless of their political affiliations.