A seminar held with participation from over 500 Maldivian Imams has commenced at the Islamic Center today. The Ministry stated that all the Imams serving in the country are participating in the seminar.
The Imam's seminar has commenced at the Islamic Center in the capital, Male' City, today, marking the first-ever seminar in the Maldives with participation from over 500 local Imams.
The seminar, scheduled to run until the end of the day, saw the participation of 203 Imams from various mosques attending in person, while 300 others joined the discussions online.
The Ministry stated that all the Imams serving in the country are participating in the seminar.
The seminar was inaugurated by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed during a special ceremony held earlier this morning at the Ministry's head office.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister stated that the purpose of hosting the seminar is to bring all Imams together in one location, facilitate introductions and connections, and discuss the difficulties and challenges they face.
"God willing, decisions made after deliberations at this seminar will be implemented without much delay." assured the Minister.
1. Tajweed education (reciting Quran with proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm).
2. Interpretations
3. Islamic Jurisprudence (fiqh)
4. Hadith (Oral traditions containing the purported words, actions and silent approvals of the Prophet Muhummand [PBUH])
5. Aqeedah (matters believed in with certainty and conviction in one's heart and soul)
6. Scholarly knowledge
7. Responsibilities of maintaining a mosque and difficulties faced in fulfilling the responsibility
8. Refreshing Imams
Recalling that he had initiated efforts to draft a new framework for Imams during his previous tenure as Minister, Shaheem revealed that the process is currently parked. He added that the framework does not present any viable solutions at this time.
"The Imam's framework is still stalled as it is. No solutions have been proposed yet. Work on the framework began while we were still at this Ministry, so our interests are closely aligned with completing it," said the Minister.
Students who graduated from the Young Khatib Course introduced by the State will also attend the seminar today.
Minister Shaheem added that the participation of young Khatibs in the seminar is a testament to the country's progress toward a brighter future.
The seminar has been organized into four sessions, featuring renowned Islamic scholars who will provide insights, engage in discussions on a broad range of topics, and seek solutions.