President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the government is planning to begin sponsoring living costs for any students enrolled in a course to memorise the Holy Quran outside of their resident island, starting next year. He made the statement while delivering remarks at the graduation ceremony of students enrolled at the National Centre for the Holy Quran.
Speaking at the event, President Solih pledged that his administration will prioritise broadening the spread of religious knowledge and teachings in the nation. He said broadening religious learning and knowledge in the Maldives is one of the key pledges under his vision.
Additionally, President Solih congratulated all the graduates at the ceremony, remarking that they had just completed their studies in a major sphere. The president said Quran teachers, Imams, and other religious guides have always played a key role in Maldivian society. He also underlined the importance of learning to recite the Holy Quran, such as the feelings it evokes within listeners and the lessons to learn from the holy verses.
Furthermore, President Solih highlighted that the Holy Quran teaches Maldivians that they are stronger together as a whole, and encourages helping each other without any bias or differentiation. The president condemned individuals who abuse the teachings of the Holy Quran to promote extremist agendas, stating that the Holy Quran ordains Muslims to treat each other with empathy, patience, and kindness.
He ended the remarks by reiterating his congratulations to the new graduates and expressing his confidence that they would prove themselves as model citizens in Maldivian society.