Maldives Graduates 91 New Khatibs under Youth Religious Leadership Programme
The initiative targets students in Grades 10, 11, and 12, as well as school-leavers under the age of 18. | Photo: Ministry of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Maldives has awarded certificates to 91 participants following the completion of the fifth intake of the Young Khatibs Programme, bringing the total number of young sermon deliverers trained under the initiative to over 700.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, addressed attendees at the certification ceremony, describing the qualification as a foundational step for the graduates’ future responsibilities. He emphasized that delivering Friday sermons (Khutbahs) and leading congregational prayers represented a lifelong duty that enhances personal character and community leadership.
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“A Khatib is a leader—a guiding presence at the forefront of showcasing Islamic identity,” Dr Shaheem said, urging the new graduates to act as role models for their peers and maintain active engagement in daily congregational prayers, rather than limiting their presence at mosques to Fridays.
The initiative targets students in Grades 10, 11, and 12, as well as school-leavers under the age of 18. The Islamic Ministry designed the program to resolve shortages of qualified prayer leaders in island communities across the archipelago, where local councils previously had to transport Khatibs from neighboring islands to conduct Friday services.
According to the Ministry, students completing the national Islamic curriculum—which encompasses Quranic studies, Hadith, Islamic history, civilization, and creed—possess the necessary qualifications for religious leadership. Dr Shaheem added that building a new generation of young religious leaders secures the country’s Islamic traditions for decades to come.
