President Mohamed Nasheed, speaking at the awarding ceremony of the 26th National Quran Recitation Competition, has said the Maldives has continued to uphold Islamic faith and principles since embracing Islam.
He said, while some countries have discontinued their practice of and adherence to certain Islamic principles, the Maldives has uninterruptedly followed Islamic Sharia and principles.
Therefore, he underlined that the Maldives was the best place in the world to research on the uninterrupted practice of Islamic Sharia.
Elaborating on the history of Islam in the Maldives, the President said Maldivians have consistently studied and heard Quran recitals and continued to instill Quran in their hearts and minds.
Continuing in this regard, the President said as a result the Maldives is a country with strong Islamic faith and a long and a rich history of Islam.
He noted that Maldivian Islamic scholars have taught the religion, and continued to work to strengthen Islamic faith in the Maldives.
At the ceremony held at Dharubaaruge this morning, the President presented awards and prizes to students and schools who achieved the first, second and third places in the 26th National Quran Recitation Competition.
Fathimath Maldha Mohamed of Aminiya School was awarded the first place in the competition while Aminiya was awarded the best school in the competition.
The President also presented the prestigious awards and certificates to seven individuals who committed the Quran in its entirety to memory.
In his speech today, the President congratulated all the winners in this year’s competition and individuals who memorized the entire Quran.
