Development of Huffaz and Qur’anic Education in the Maldives
- Launched the “500 Ḥafiẓ Development Project” in 2012, a national strategic initiative designed to expand Qur’an memorization capacity and nurture future generations of Huffaz across the Republic of Maldives. The project was developed to strengthen the institutional framework for Qur’anic education, improve access to structured memorization programmes, and cultivate a generation of Qur’an memorizers capable of serving as religious leaders, educators, and role models within the Muslim community. Through sustained institutional support and nationwide educational initiatives, the programme has contributed significantly to the growth of Qur’anic memorization in the Maldives. As of February 2026, the Maldives records 301 certified Huffaz, while 1,873 students are actively engaged in structured Qur’an memorization programmes across the country, reflecting a substantial expansion in national Qur’anic education capacity.
- To strengthen the quality and accessibility of Hifẓ education at the island level, facilitated the deployment of qualified international Hifẓ instructors to 17 islands across the Maldives, enabling the establishment of structured memorization classes for children and community learners. This initiative helped address the shortage of qualified Qur’an instructors and ensured the delivery of standardized and academically structured memorization programmes.
- Successfully implemented the enhancement of the Government of Maldives’ national recognition scheme for Qur’an memorizers, strengthening the state’s support framework for religious scholarship under the direction and guidance of H.E. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In 2025, the monthly lifetime allowance provided to certified Huffaz was increased from MVR 2,000 to MVR 4,000, reflecting a significant policy commitment to recognizing the scholarly achievement of Qur’an memorizers and encouraging continued excellence in Qur’anic learning.
- Introduced recognition-based religious incentive programmes by facilitating opportunities for certified Huffaz of the Holy Qur’an to undertake Umrah pilgrimages, serving both as an honor bestowed upon Qur’an memorizers and as a motivational initiative encouraging greater participation in Qur’an memorization programmes nationwide.
2024-2026 Copyright © DrShaheem.com | Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed