Ministry to Train 80 New Youth Khateebs to Address Island Preacher Shortage

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments will launch the fifth round of its youth khateeb training programme next week, aiming to tackle the shortage of Islamic preachers across island communities. The initiative, a priority under the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, seeks to empower young Maldivians while ensuring spiritual leadership is available in remote areas. This upcoming phase will enroll 80 participants, split evenly between the greater Malé region and the outer atolls. According to Deputy Minister Ali Waheed, the program is designed to be accessible; students in Malé will attend physical sessions at the ministry, while those from the atolls will complete their coursework via online platforms. Khateebs serve the critical role of delivering formal public sermons, known as khutbah, during congregational prayers. By expanding the pool of qualified preachers, the government intends to bridge the gap in religious services and provide youth with specialized vocational opportunities in theology and public speaking. The program has seen significant growth through four previous iterations, with more than 600 individuals already earning certification. The ministry views this as a pivotal step in cultivating a religiously grounded new generation capable of leading their communities. Looking ahead, the ministry is preparing for a large-scale symposium dedicated to young khateebs this September. Deputy Minister Waheed noted that two preparatory rounds will be completed by September 13 to facilitate the participation of 1,000 khateebs at the event. This symposium serves as a cornerstone of the ministry's broader strategy to empower youth and standardize the quality of public sermons across the archipelago.