Nine hundred years after the Maldives embraced Islam, the country is entering a new phase in its efforts to strengthen religious education, develop young religious leaders and build institutions to support Islamic affairs.
Over the past three years, the government has introduced a series of legislative, educational and financial measures aimed at raising religious awareness among the public and creating greater opportunities for young Maldivians to pursue Islamic studies.
At the same time, efforts are being made to strengthen the institutional foundations of religious affairs, expand Waqf assets and ensure that the Maldives continues to preserve its Islamic identity for future generations.
Strengthening the Administration of Zakat
One of the major developments has been the introduction of the country’s first dedicated Zakat Act, bringing the collection and distribution of Zakat under a formal statutory framework.
The legislation seeks to establish greater transparency and accountability in the management of Zakat funds, while ensuring that assistance reaches people who meet the requirements to receive it.
Under the new framework, all Zakat revenue is deposited into a dedicated account administered by the Maldives Monetary Authority.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has also established the Maldives Zakat House to strengthen the administration of Zakat and improve the process of identifying and assisting eligible beneficiaries.
The institution is expected to provide a more organised and accountable system for managing one of Islam’s fundamental obligations.
Fostering Quranic Excellence Among Young People
Religious education among young people has also been placed high on the government’s agenda, with a nationwide programme aimed at increasing the number of Maldivians who memorise the Holy Quran.
The initiative is based on the government’s position that nurturing a generation that learns, memorises and lives by the teachings of the Quran will contribute to the strength and future prosperity of the nation.
As part of reforms to the national education system, qualifications awarded to Hafizes are now formally recognised by the Maldives Qualifications Authority.
Those who successfully complete the programme will receive a Presidential Medal irrespective of their final assessment grade, while the government will also provide state-sponsored opportunities for Umrah.
Graduation ceremonies have been enhanced with the introduction of a dedicated academic gown, adding a formal educational dimension to the achievement.
The monthly allowance provided to certified Hafizes has also been doubled, rising from USD 129.70 to USD 259.40, fulfilling a commitment made by President Muizzu.
The administration has set a target of producing 500 Hafizes during the current presidential term. So far, 310 have received certification, while approximately 2,000 students are currently engaged in Quran memorisation programmes across the country.
Creating a New Generation of Religious Leaders
With many islands facing a shortage of qualified individuals capable of delivering Friday sermons and leading religious services, the government has expanded training opportunities for Imams and Khateebs.
Local Imam training programmes have been introduced, with selected participants given opportunities to pursue religious studies both within the Maldives and at Islamic institutions overseas.
The government has also taken the initiative a step further by opening Khateeb training to secondary school students, creating a pathway for young people to take on greater religious responsibilities within their communities.
Four batches of the programme have so far produced around 600 certified young Khateebs. Some graduates have already been authorised to deliver Friday sermons in Malé and on islands across the atolls.
The government aims to increase this number to 1,000 certified young Khateebs before the end of the current presidential term.
Expanding Waqf for Long-Term Religious Development
Alongside religious education, the government is seeking to strengthen the financial and physical infrastructure supporting Islamic affairs through the expansion of the Waqf sector.
Over the past two years, greater emphasis has been placed on developing sustainable Waqf assets capable of generating long-term resources for religious activities.
A dedicated Waqf Fund has been established to support religious outreach, education, Islamic civilisation, religious symbols and community cohesion, as well as the construction and maintenance of mosques.
Several major developments are now taking shape.
In Malé, work is progressing on Dar al-Arqam, a 12-storey Waqf complex being constructed near the National Centre for Information Technology.
Another 12-storey Waqf development, Dar al-Salam, is underway in Hulhumalé.
Authorities have also decided to develop a specialised Quran Waqf complex on land that was previously allocated for the Coral Boulevard project.
The expansion is not limited to the Greater Malé area. Waqf projects are also being developed in Thinadhoo City, Kulhudhuffushi City, Hithadhoo in Addu City and Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
Together, these projects are intended to establish a stronger and more decentralised network of institutions supporting religious affairs throughout the Maldives.
Young Khateebs at the Forefront of Religious Development
The focus on developing young religious leaders was further highlighted through the National Symposium for Young Khateebs, held as part of activities marking 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.
The symposium brought together young religious speakers from across the country and was inaugurated by Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
The gathering provides a platform for young Khateebs to exchange knowledge, strengthen their networks and discuss the future direction of the Young Khateeb Training Programme.
More than 700 young people have completed the programme across five batches, contributing to efforts to address the shortage of qualified Khateebs in Malé and the islands.
The initiative is also designed to encourage young participants to deepen their understanding of the Holy Quran and pursue higher education in Shariah and other academic disciplines.
Beyond preparing young people to deliver Friday sermons, the programme seeks to develop a new generation of religiously knowledgeable community leaders capable of making a lasting contribution to their islands.
The symposium is expected to further strengthen ties among young Khateebs and encourage their continued involvement in religious and community affairs across the Maldives.
Together, these initiatives represent a broad government effort to combine religious education with stronger institutions, sustainable funding and greater opportunities for young people — laying the groundwork for the next generation of Islamic leadership in the Maldives.
