Thirty new Hafiz to graduate next Ramadan: Ministry

Thirty more people will graduate as Hafiz next Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has said.

The minister of Islamic affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, said in a message shared with the ministry’s media group that 21 individuals have memorized the Quran and completed the examination so far this year.

A further seven candidates are currently sitting the examination, while one has completed preparations, he said.

As a result, 30 Hafiz are expected to graduate on the 27th day of next Ramadan, with 42 Hafiz set to receive special medals awarded by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

“This represents an increase compared with last year. Producing Hafiz in the Maldives is a major objective of the government,” Shaheem said.

According to the ministry, there are currently more than 280 Hafiz in the country, while more than 1,500 people are enrolled in Quran memorization classes.

A graduation ceremony was held on the 27th day of Ramadan last year. The President has decided that prizes and medals will again be presented at a special ceremony on the same date next year.

The government increased the monthly allowance for Hafiz from MVR 2,000 to MVR 4,000 in August.