Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that 31 Huffaz will be honoured at this year’s graduation ceremony during Ramadan after successfully completing the memorisation of the Holy Quran.
The Minister stated that all arrangements for the ceremony have now been finalised. He noted that the Huffaz examination process in the Maldives is conducted under a highly credible and rigorous system, with experienced Huffaz serving on the examination committees.
Explaining the assessment process, Dr Shaheem said candidates are required to recite at least one Juz from memory each day until they complete the recitation of the entire Quran by heart. Some students, he added, recite two Juz per day as part of the evaluation.
The Minister further stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has given special priority to increasing the number of Huffaz in the country, describing the current progress in this field as a blessing from Almighty Allah and a positive development for the nation.
Dr Shaheem also revealed that 37 Maldivian Huffaz have been assigned to lead Taraweeh prayers in mosques across the Malé area during the upcoming Ramadan. Many of them are young and recognised for their quality recitation. At the Islamic Centre and Salman Mosque, Taraweeh prayers will be led by Maldivian Huffaz. In addition, young Khateebs will be given the opportunity to deliver Friday sermons at these mosques.
Changes have also been introduced to Taraweeh prayer arrangements in several mosques. The number of mosques offering shorter Taraweeh congregations has been increased to accommodate high attendance, particularly in larger mosques.
The Government aims that by 2027, all Taraweeh prayers led in the Malé area will be conducted by Maldivian Huffaz. Beyond Malé, a large number of Maldivian Huffaz will also lead Taraweeh prayers in islands across the country this Ramadan.