The Maldives currently has 301 individuals who have memorized the Holy Quran in full, according to Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. In addition, more than 1,800 students across the country are actively engaged in Quran memorization programs.
The announcement was made during a Huffaz graduation ceremony held at the Islamic Centre on Monday night. The event celebrated new graduates while also highlighting the government’s long-term religious education goals.
A “hafiz” is someone who has committed the entire Quran to memory. The plural form, “huffaz,” refers to those who have achieved this significant milestone, often after years of study and discipline.
National Target: 500 Huffaz in Five Years
Minister Shaheem revealed that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has set an ambitious goal. Within the current five-year term of the government, the aim is to increase the number of huffaz in the Maldives from 301 to 500.
At present, the country’s huffaz include 162 men and 139 women. The near balance between male and female graduates reflects growing participation from women in religious education.
The minister also shared a broader vision. He said the ministry hopes the Maldives will one day rank first in the world in terms of huffaz relative to population size. For a small nation, such a distinction would be a matter of great pride and spiritual significance.
Strong Youth Participation in Hifz Programs
A key feature of the country’s Quran memorization drive is the high number of children and young people involved. According to Minister Shaheem, most students enrolled in Hifz classes are from younger age groups.
The largest number of students are currently studying at the Centre for the Holy Quran and Ilm institutions, which have become central hubs for structured Quran memorization programs. These institutions play a leading role in shaping the next generation of huffaz.
Why does this matter? In a nation where Islam plays a central role in daily life, investing in youth religious education is seen as strengthening both faith and national identity.
Expansion of Quran Centres Across the Maldives
The initiative has strong backing from President Mohamed Muizzu. Minister Shaheem stated that the president places high priority on the training and development of huffaz nationwide.
As part of this effort, the government has decided to establish Centres for the Holy Quran in every inhabited island of the Maldives. The plan includes opening 50 centres before the end of this year alone.
So far, six branches have been officially registered, while another 34 are in the process of registration. In areas where space is limited, construction work is underway to create suitable classrooms for Quran studies.
If fully realized, this nationwide expansion could significantly increase access to structured Hifz education, especially for students living outside the capital.
31 New Huffaz Graduate
Monday night’s ceremony marked another milestone in this ongoing effort. A total of 31 new huffaz graduated, including 19 men and 12 women.
Each graduation adds not just to a number, but to a growing movement. With more than 1,800 students still in training, the Maldives appears firmly on track toward its goal of expanding its community of Quran memorizers.
