The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has decided to hold a national symposium of young Khateebs to coincide with the historic occasion marking 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.
The symposium is scheduled to be held on the 2nd of Rabi' al-Akhir, which is celebrated as the day the Maldives embraced Islam. This year, that date falls on the 13th of next September.
In a message sent to the media, the Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that an invitation has been extended to an Imam of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Sheikh Dr. Yasir Ad-Dawsari, to attend the symposium held to mark the occasion.
The Minister said that 1,000 young Imams, Khateebs, and young Hafizes will participate in the symposium, adding that arrangements will also be made to bring young Khateebs from the atolls to Malé.
The Minister stated that the number of young Khateebs currently stands at 532, and noted that 307 Hafizes are registered in the official registry of Hafizes.
The Ministry has set a target to reach 1,000 Khateebs before next September.
The Minister stated that an announcement will be made this month for participants wishing to take part in the symposium to submit their application forms. Furthermore, he requested young Khateebs to begin preparation starting from now.
