738 Imams Participate in Refresher Training; Malé Sessions Now Concluded, Minister Shaheem Reports

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that 738 imams have completed a national programme this year intended to strengthen the skills and knowledge of religious leaders across the country.

The initiative was designed to reach all of the nation’s approximately 700 permanent imams within the current calendar year. Training sessions were conducted in 11 regions, with the programme in Malé recently concluded.

The curriculum centred on nine subjects which are essential to Islamic scholarship. Imams studied the science of the Holy Quran, Tajweed, Tafsir, Fiqh, Hadith and Aqidah, among others, in an effort to reinforce theological expertise and ensure consistency in religious practice nationwide.

The ministry is also expanding international opportunities for advanced study. Minister Saeed confirmed that plans for the coming year include sending imams to Egypt for specialised training in collaboration with Al-Azhar University, as well as facilitating Arabic language programmes in Morocco.

These efforts build on the foundation established last year, when more than 100 imams were offered study opportunities abroad in Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.