Failure to undertake the work of training khateebs today could lead to unforeseen damage from an Islamic perspective, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, warned recently. At a ceremony concluding the youth khateeb training programme’s fourth round, where 82 participants brought the total certified young khateebs to more than 600, Minister Shaheem highlighted that cultivating these leaders is an urgent task.
Launched under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to resolve island imam shortages and uphold traditions into the next century, the priority programme addresses roles carrying profound weight. Noting that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ prayed for imams' understanding, Minister Shaheem said they must be exemplary role models in attire, conduct, and interactions.
"It is essential to respect time, demonstrate diligence, and thoroughly practice and prepare prior to delivering the sermon,” Minister Shaheem remarked. “When delivering the sermon, one must cultivate the habit of reciting the Hadiths and Quranic verses elegantly and with proper Tajweed." He added that leading Friday congregations, which manifest global Islamic unity, remains a distinct honour and a noble responsibility.
The ministry is also expanding Quran memorisation infrastructure, targeting 1,000 youth khateebs and 500 Huffaz; currently, over 2,000 students attend classes and 310 Huffaz are recognised. To mark these milestones and the 900th anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam, a symposium will feature Makkah Grand Mosque Imam Sheikh Dr Yasser Al-Dosari as guest of honour.