President Muizzu Urges Young Preachers to Lead Maldives’ Religious Future

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on the country’s newly trained youth khatibs to serve as role models, urging them to reinforce the nation’s Islamic character while shaping its intellectual path through consistent actions and words.

The President delivered his address as the guest of honour during the closing event of the National Young Khatibs Symposium at the Islamic Centre. The single-day event was hosted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments as part of nationwide commemorations marking nine centuries since the Maldives converted to Islam.

Addressing the gathering, President  Muizzu highlighted that over 700 youths have now undergone training to conduct Islamic Dawah, with more than 300 attending the symposium directly. He noted that their entry into religious leadership reinvigorates the Maldivian people’s faith, offering fresh hope and laying the foundation for future mentors to raise religious consciousness throughout the islands.

Reflecting on historical context, the President observed that both Islamic tradition and Maldivian heritage showcase the crucial role young individuals have played in expanding and preserving the faith. He pointed to key historical figures from the broader Islamic world alongside young Maldivian scholars who historically ventured abroad to pursue religious studies for the benefit of their country.

He further underscored that authentic knowledge must be paired with wisdom, reminding the audience that core religious values centre on social unity, harmony, and public welfare. Stating that Islam champions human dignity, peace, and security, he advised the young preachers to take care in both their written and spoken words.

Looking to the future, President Muizzu shared his hope that the young khatibs present would develop into the country’s next generation of scholars, public intellectuals, leaders, and orators.

The Young Khatibs initiative, structured over five rounds by the current administration, aims to empower youth to safeguard national identity while addressing a critical shortage of qualified imams for Friday sermons across the atolls. The programme creates structured career pathways for young people skilled in Quranic recitation and committed to faith-based academic fields, including Shariah law.

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