All Secondary School Graduates Will be Qualified to Lead Prayers, Says Minister

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated every child who graduates from secondary school will be qualified to become an imaam and lead prayers as well as recite khutbaa.

Speaking at a ceremony where official permits were issued to children who completed the initial phase of the Young Khatibs Training Programme, Minister Shaheem emphasised the government’s commitment to broadening access to religious education.

The Young Khatib Program, overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, aims to empower young individuals with the necessary skills to deliver sermons and lead congregational prayers.

Previously, the certification for Imamate was attainable only after completing grade 10 and Certificate 3 of the Imam Course. However, Dr. Shaheem highlighted the importance of enhancing opportunities for interested students and expanding access to religious education facilities.

Minister Shaheem praised the quality of the Islamic curriculum for Grade 10, noting its comprehensive coverage of essential topics, including Fiqh courses. He stressed that the curriculum equips students with the requisite knowledge to become imams, and initiatives such as the Young Khatibs Training Programme facilitate the practical application of Quranic recitation skills.

Under the programme, students who successfully complete the training are granted the opportunity to lead Friday and Eid prayers. Dr. Shaheem affirmed that any child who passes the interview process will be eligible to undergo training in the programme’s second phase.

A total of 160 children underwent interviews for participation in the young preacher training programme. Practical training commenced on February 12, with 77 children progressing to the initial phase. Among them, 57 children successfully completed the first part of the training and received certificates of accomplishment.