The President’s Office has announced a formal revision to the timing of the President’s Medal and Award, conferred on Huffaz in recognition of their memorisation of the Holy Quran. This year, the honours will be presented on the eve of the 27th day of Ramadan, observed in Islamic tradition as the 27th night, coinciding with the official certificate ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The change reflects a broader effort to consolidate major religious recognition events. By aligning the presidential awards with the ceremony organised by the National Centre for the Holy Quran, the administration seeks to reinforce the institutional significance of the occasion and ensure a unified observance.
Last year, the awards were presented during a formal event commemorating the Day the Maldives Embraced Islam. The President’s Office has now identified the eve of the 27th day of Ramadan as the most fitting occasion for the president to confer national honours, coinciding with the ministry’s certificate presentation.
This adjustment is part of a wider initiative led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to promote Quran memorisation across the country. Under his administration, efforts to cultivate a new generation of Huffaz have intensified, with allowances for recipients now doubled.
In addition to financial support, the government has resolved that national honours will be granted regardless of the level at which candidates pass their memorisation examinations. The Islamic Affairs Ministry had earlier outlined plans to expand memorisation programmes, aligning its efforts with the strategic direction set by President Muizzu.