President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that 90 projects in the Islamic sector were were carried out last year, and that eight mosques across various parts of the country will be inaugurated ahead of the upcoming month of Ramadan.
The President made these remarks this morning whilst delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People's Majlis for the year.
Highlighting that mosques, as a place of worship to Allah, represent some of the most prestigious and enduring structures in Islamic history, the President emphasised that, as an Islamic nation, the Maldives must continue to reflect and uphold these values.
He noted that the 90 projects included the construction of 74 mosques, seven Islamic centres, three Holy Quran centres, and six Waqf buildings. In addition, the Islamic Centre in HA. Dhidhdhoo has been completed, while mosque construction on 10 islands has also been finalised. Emphasising preparations for Ramadan, the President stated that special priority had been given to renovating mosques that will be in use during the holy month. He noted that more than MVR 19 million was spent on mosque renovations nationwide last year, with a further MVR 15 million allocated for the same purpose this year.
The President also highlighted progress in Quranic education, stating that the monthly stipend for memorising the Holy Quran was increased from MVR 2,000 to MVR 4,000 last year. He reported that 30 Huffaz graduated during the year – the highest number recorded in the Maldives’ history.
As part of the Government’s efforts to further promote devotion to and memorisation of the Holy Quran, the President said initiatives were launched last year to establish a Holy Quran Centre on every inhabited island by 2028. He also announced that construction of a Waqf building in Malé, aimed at supporting Quranic education through a sustainable financing system, will commence this year.
Additionally, the President announced that the planning and organisation of the National Quran Recitation Competition will be fully funded through the Government budget. He stated that prize money for competition winners will be doubled and that, for the first time, the first-place winner will be awarded a Presidential Scholarship to pursue higher studies up to a PhD in any field and in any country of their choice.
In his address, the President further noted that the Maldives became a permanent member of the Makkah Route Initiative last year, significantly easing the Hajj process for Maldivians. He also announced that an agreement has been reached with a hospital in Saudi Arabia to provide free healthcare services, and that work has begun to establish a medical clinic at the hotel where Maldivian pilgrims stay, to safeguard their well-being.
The President emphasised that, for the first time in the nation’s history, a Zakat Act has been enacted. He stated that Government efforts to strengthen and formalise the Zakat system have increased public trust, resulting in higher collections. Notably, he revealed that Zakat contributions exceeded MVR 100 million for the first time last year.