Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that O'level and A'level graduates who score good grades in Islam will have the capability to become imam's.
During the certificate awarding ceremony in the fifth round of training young khatib's, the minister said that a generation of imam's that uphold their duties at various mosques across Maldives is almost lost.
Shaheem said that many imam's and khatib's have passed on due to old age, with many islands in Maldives facing difficulties.
The training program was started under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's recommendation as a solution, with the aim of the effort being to build a new generation of khatib's who will lead Friday prayers and deliver sermons, said Minister Shaheem.
He said that students who graduate from Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12 will be capable of becoming imam's.
"Those who are granted Certificate Level 1, 2 and 3 in becoming an imam and take on the role, those learn about Islam and Quran within an education system and pass with high grades in Islam and proceed to O'levels, students who finish their O'levels and move on to A'levels and finish their A'levels will be fully capable in becoming an imam," said the minister.
While stating that completing a course alone does not make someone an imam, the minister said that the syllabus within Islam books used to teach in Maldives has a wealth of information.
He highlighted a lack of students who study Islam in college/university courses and expressed concern that those who do study it do not go to their home islands in order to offer their services.
The minister went on to say that children who are capable in delivering sermons is a quality that will only add on to their personalities, and that young khatib's should regularly conduct congregational prayers and serve as an example to other young children.
Minister Shaheem advised that they should share their blessings, happiness and satisfaction with their families, and to include their families' hard work and advice in their success.
