From 2017 onward, Eyan dedicated himself to becoming a Hafiz, a process that took five years. He made significant progress while balancing the heavy academic load of school, as he was also pursuing both the science and commerce streams in his studies.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs
Noonu Atoll Fodhdhoo is celebrating a remarkable milestone as the island proudly honours one of its own — Mohamed Eyan Ali Adam — who has become the first and youngest Hafiz from the island after successfully memorising the entire Quran by the age of 18.
Eyan’s journey toward this sacred achievement began at a young age, shaped by a profound connection to the Quran and a nurturing environment deeply rooted in Islamic values.
Since I was a child, I always had an interest in reading and listening to the Quran — whether it was on TV, from Hathims, or reading bits here and there until I could read without even looking.
His mother recalls that the environment in which Iyan was raised was steeped in faith from the beginning.
From the day he was born, every evening between Maghrib and Fajr prayers, Quran was always playing in his room. Even when he was too young to read properly, he would try to read along by touching the TV.
Recognising his potential early on, she began teaching him and continued to support him throughout the journey.
At just seven years old, Eyan memorised three Juz’ of the Quran, inspiring his mother to try enrolling him in classes at the National Centre for the Holy Quran. In both 2015 and 2016, however, the family’s application was unsuccessful due to the limited 500-slot intake and interview-based selection process. But they did not give up.
Finally, in 2017, Eyan was accepted into the Quran Centre, and by then, he had already completed reading three parts of the Quran. With formal instruction and structured support, his memorisation journey began in earnest.
From 2017 onward, Eyan dedicated himself to becoming a Hafiz, a process that took five years. He made significant progress while balancing the heavy academic load of school, as he was also pursuing both the science and commerce streams in his studies.
The biggest difficulty was always time, having to finish school so late and then immediately go to Quran classes meant I didn’t have much time to revise what I memorised. I’d come back home from Quran school and then jump back into studying for school exams.
He took a break during his O’ Level preparations and mock exams, as the school schedule became increasingly demanding. “I was literally changing clothes in the car to rush from school to Quran class”, he shared. After completing his exams, Eyan resumed his memorisation, reviewing the Quran twice in full.
His final phase began in 2024, leading up to his evaluation in May 2025. From 19 May 2025, he began the final assessment, reciting one chapter each day. On 30 June 2025, Eyan officially completed the memorisation of the entire Quran — earning the esteemed title of Hafiz.
What makes Eyan’s achievement even more special is not only his age but the fact that he is the first person from Fohdhoo to ever become a Hafiz.
Honestly, I didn’t know I was going to be the first Hafiz from my island, but the moment felt very surreal. The support I had from my island made it even more special. This is a proud moment for me — not just personally but also as someone representing Fohdhoo. I hope it inspires other children who want to pursue this path.
Eyan credits his success to his unwavering faith and to those who supported him throughout his journey.
Nothing is possible without Allah. Becoming a Hafiz is not something many people can do, and I’m truly thankful.
His mother, his strongest supporter, was instrumental in managing his schedule, studies, and encouragement every step of the way. Eyan shared that his mother always believed in his ability and encouraged him to continue when things got hard.
He also expressed deep gratitude for the teachers who mentored and supported him:
Today, Eyan stands as a proud symbol of dedication, perseverance, and excellence — a source of inspiration for his island community and beyond. His story is a testament to what can be achieved through faith, family support, and tireless commitment.
Looking ahead, Eyan aspires to deepen his service to the community by becoming an Imam, with the hope of leading Friday prayers and performing Tarawih prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. He also dreams of becoming a Khatib — delivering Khutbahs. With his strong foundation in the Quran and his passion for religious leadership, Iyan is committed to continuing his spiritual journey and contributing meaningfully to Islamic life in Fohdhoo and beyond.
