President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on young khatibs across the Maldives to lead by example in protecting the country’s Islamic identity, stressing that their actions must reflect the values they preach.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Young Khatibs Symposium at the Islamic Centre, President Muizzu said young religious leaders have an important responsibility in shaping the intellectual and religious future of the nation.
The symposium was organised as part of national events commemorating 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.
President Muizzu highlighted the Government’s programme to train young people in Islamic Dawah and sermon delivery. More than 700 young people have been trained through five rounds of the initiative, while more than 300 participated in the symposium.
He described the growing number of trained young khatibs as a source of renewed strength for the Islamic spirit of Maldivians and expressed hope that they would become future mentors capable of strengthening religious awareness throughout the country.
Reflecting on Islamic and Maldivian history, the President said young people have long played an important role in advancing religious knowledge. He also recalled Maldivian scholars who left their families and homeland at a young age to pursue Islamic education.
President Muizzu stressed that religious knowledge must be accompanied by wisdom, particularly when addressing the public. He said Islam protects human dignity while promoting unity, peace, security and social harmony.
He urged young khatibs to exercise wisdom and responsibility in both their speech and writing, while ensuring their personal conduct reflects the principles they advocate.
The President said he hopes the young khatibs of today will become the Maldives’ scholars, intellectuals, leaders and prominent orators of tomorrow.
Organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the National Young Khatibs Symposium brought together young khatibs from across the country for a one-day forum.
The Government’s young khatib training programme is also aimed at addressing shortages of imams available to deliver Friday sermons on islands. It provides opportunities for young Maldivians with knowledge of the Holy Quran and an interest in pursuing further studies and careers in Shariah and other academic fields.
