President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged the people to make use of the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan to remain steadfast in the path of religious practices and good behavior.

The Maldivian leader said this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 35th National Quran Recitation Competition.

The ceremony was held at the Islamic Center on Monday.

Taking the podium at the event, President Solih called on the people to make the best use of the fasting month to seek solace and strength in the Holy Quran which he described to be a beacon of light.

Congratulating the winners of the 35th National Quran Recitation Competition, the president shed light on the importance of memorizing and practicing the rules of ‘Tajweed’ in reciting the Holy Quran, which he said would be beneficial for the present as well as the hereafter.

The Maldivian leader went on to call on the participants of the competition to continue resiliently on this path.

Further, he also noted the increasing number of Hafizes in the Maldives, adding that it is important to do more to remain in the field.

Questioning if there is the need to invite Hafizes from other countries to lead the Tarawih prayers during the fasting month, President Solih went on to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to uphold and preserve the true values and principles of Islam and the Holy Quran.

Moreover, President Solih urged all to strive hard towards instilling those values in young children.

This being said, the president urged higher education institutions to promote the teachings of the Holy Quran and the message of Islam, supported by scientific research and technological advancements in the modern world.

The closing ceremony of the 35th National Quran Recitation Competition saw President Solih conferring top awards in the categories of recitation from the book, recitation from memory, and Hafizes.

In addition to this, top awards for the leading institution and the competition’s top winners were also conferred at Monday nights's event.