The Islamic Ministry has inaugurated an umrah program for hafizes, or people who memorize the Holy Quran.
The first hafiz to receive a umrah tour under the program, Al-Hafiz Ali Raif, was presented with his letter by Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed on Wednesday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shaheem said that Raif, who is the first to receive a umrah tour, is no ordinary hafiz.
He said that Raif memorized the Quran at first rank, meaning he memorized all the surahs of the holy book along with the numbers.
He congratulated Raif and his parents on the accomplishment.
Shaheem said the program is funded with charity, and that the purpose of the program is to encourage people to memorize the Quran.