Application Open for Local Hafiz to Lead Tarawih Prayers

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is seeking local Hafiz to lead the Tarawih prayers in mosques across the Maldives during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

The Ministry has instructed those interested in leading the prayers in Male’ mosques to fill out the designated application forms and submit them to the ministry along with supporting documents by 20 January 2025. Those who desire to lead prayers in the atolls have until 6 February to submit their documents directly to the ministry. However, these applications will be accepted until 16 February by city and island councils.

Local Hafiz will receive an allowance of USD 32 for each prayer led. A maximum of two paid Hafiz will be assigned to each mosque. Those leading prayer in Salman Mosque and the Islamic Centre in the capital will be paid USD 45 for each prayer, with the same limit of two paid Hafiz for each mosque.

In preparation for Ramadan, the ministry has also opened the opportunity for cities and islands to seek permission to bring foreign Hafiz to lead the Tarawih prayer. The deadline for submitting the request is 16 February.

The ministry said allowance for foreign Hafiz must be set based on the respective island’s population, with a minimum allowance of USD 13 per prayer. Additionally, if a foreign Hafiz who resides in the Maldives wishes to lead the prayers, permission can only be granted if he possesses a work permit, is employed in a relevant field or at a Quran centre, and holds Hafiz certification.