President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that 90 projects are currently underway in the Islamic sector, with approximately USD 973,000 allocated this year for the renovation of mosques.
The President made the remarks in his Presidential Statement at the opening of this year’s session of the Parliament. He said the projects underway last year included 74 mosques, seven Islamic centres, three branches of the National Centre for the Holy Quran, and six endowment buildings.
President Muizzu said the Dhidhdhoo Islamic Centre and mosques in 10 islands have been completed and opened, adding that eight more mosques are scheduled to open before the start of Ramadan. He noted that mosque renovation works are ongoing nationwide, with around USD 1.26 million spent on renovations last year.
He said construction of Islamic centres in 10 additional islands will begin this year using state budget funding, with contracts already signed for three centres. Mosque construction is also set to begin in 17 more islands this year. In addition, the President said construction of the Hulhumale Grand Mosque will commence this year.
The President said work is underway to install air-conditioning in mosque main halls and women’s prayer areas, noting that four mosques in Malé will have both sections air-conditioned before Ramadan.
Highlighting efforts to expand Quranic education, President Muizzu said last year recorded the highest number of Hafiz graduates, with 30 students completing memorisation of the Holy Quran. He added that work has begun to establish a branch of the National Centre for the Holy Quran in every island.
To encourage Quran memorisation, the President said the monthly allowance for Hafiz has been increased from about USD 130 to about USD 260. He also announced plans to begin construction of a dedicated Quran endowment building this year to ensure sustainable funding for Quran-related activities.
President Muizzu said the government will fully fund the national Quran recitation competition and double prize awards, with the overall winner to receive a PhD scholarship in any field. He added that work will also begin this year to increase the number of Quran teachers for persons with disabilities.