Zamzam Farish
Zamzam Farish is a dedicated Maldivian Islamic scholar and education professional with over 19 years of experience in Islamic awareness field. Specializing in Islamic studies, Arabic linguistics, and Hadith scholarship with a proven track record in academic instruction, curriculum analysis, and community leadership. Committed to advancing Islamic education and contributing to educational excellence in the Maldives.
Religious Scholarship: He is a dedicated student of Islamic knowledge with a specific focus on the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam). After completing his A-levels at the Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), he traveled to Saudi Arabia to pursue further studies at the Islamic University of Madinah in Al-Madina Al-Munawwarah.
Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in the field of Hadith from Madinah, he returned to the Maldives and served as a lecturer at the Maldives National University (MNU) and as a teacher at the Uyoon Institute. Afterwards, he moved to Islamabad, Pakistan, to pursue his Master’s degree in the field of Education at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). Additionally, he attended the Islamic University of Maldives, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching.
Shaping the National Mindset: Today, Zamzam Farish serves as a pivotal figure at the National Institute of Education (NIE), where he heads the Quran and Islam Section, as well as the Arabic Language and Qaummiyyathu teams. He plays a vital role in compiling the syllabi and textbooks required for Qaumiyyathu, a subject being newly introduced into the Maldivian education system and taught across all grades in public schools. In this role, he is not merely an educator but an architect of the national mind.
His work involves:
Curriculum Development: Crafting the Islam subject books and guides that Grade students across the country use to learn their Islamic faith.
Before joining the NIE, he was a Hadith teacher at Al-Madhrasathul Arabiyyathul Islamiyya. He also taught Tawhid, Seerah, and Fiqh. As a member of the School Board, he was relentless in bridging the gap between the school management and the staff. He served twice on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as a teacher representative; later, after transitioning to the NIE, he was elected to the PTA again as a parent representative for two consecutive terms.
Policy and Reform: Drafting vital amendments to the Educational Act and evaluating pedagogical approaches to ensure they meet 21st-century standards while remaining rooted in Islamic values.
Extremism Mitigation: Taken part in workshops and initiatives designed to promote a balanced, moderate understanding of Islam, safeguarding the community against radical narratives.
A Voice for the Community: Zamzam’s influence extends far beyond the walls of government offices. As a prominent member of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ Scholars’ Pool, he is a familiar face across the atolls. From the northern islands of Noonu to the southern shores of Fuwahmulak, he has conducted over 40 scholarly consultations, providing guidance on complex religious and social issues. He has also conducted several Islamic educational sessions for Maldivian jail inmates and facilitated rehabilitation sessions for individuals in drug reintegration programs.
His leadership is also evident in the civil sector. As the current President of the Rights Association of Maldives (RAM) and a member of the Maldives Scholars Bond (ilmuveringe gulhun – IG), Farish actively advocates for social justice and the professional development of educators.
Zamzam also played a vital role in founding Jamiyyath Salaf, a religious NGO established in 2006. He worked as an administrator before leaving for his higher studies in Medina. After returning, he was an active da’ee (religious preacher) in the NGO’s Scholars Committee until 2023. He played an important role in fundraising for the establishment of the Dhaaris TV channel.
Digital Scholarship and Technical Innovation: In an era where the “digital pulpit” is as important as the physical one, Farish has established a significant online presence. With over 100 articles published on Dhisalafiyyah.com and contributions to Dhaaris Magazine. He maintains a vibrant presence for his 17,000 followers on Facebook, 10,000 on X, and 8,000 on TikTok. Utilizing his proficiency in Arabic, Dhivehi, and English, he makes Islamic content accessible to the public regarding religious, social, political, and global issues.