Islamic Minister Urges New Khateebs to Prioritize Community Harmony and Local Customs

Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has called on religious leaders to prioritize the well-being and interests of their congregations over rigid personal preferences. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Young Khateebs Symposium, the Minister emphasized that the role of an Imam is primarily one of service to the community. Addressing a new cohort of licensed Khateebs, Minister Shaheem provided specific guidance on maintaining peace within island communities. He urged Imams to respect established local customs regarding prayer practices, cautioning against sparking disputes over minor differences between the Shafi'i, Hanafi, Hanbali, and Maliki schools of thought. He stated that unless a local practice explicitly contradicts the Quran and Sunnah, the leader should align with what the congregation accepts to maintain unity. Beyond ritual leadership, the Minister highlighted the ethical responsibilities of the clergy. He urged young Khateebs to act as humble moral role models and cautioned against the dangers of extremist ideologies often spread via social media. He stressed that religious guidance must be grounded in deep learning and a respect for established scholars, warning against offering opinions on complex theological matters without adequate knowledge. Reflecting on the Maldives' nine-century history within the Islamic Ummah, Minister Shaheem described the training of young Khateebs as a strategic investment in the nation's spiritual legacy for the next century. He noted that the new generation is uniquely positioned for success, combining traditional Islamic knowledge and Quranic recitation with modern formal education. Closing his address, the Minister called for nationwide cooperation to promote Islamic symbols and rituals, reiterating that the Quran and Sunnah must remain the ultimate foundation for all religious affairs in the Maldives. He expressed confidence that this newly qualified group would surpass previous generations in their capability to serve the public.