82 participants have completed the fourth batch of the Young Khateeb Training Programme, bringing the total number of graduates from the programme to more than 600.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments awarded certificates to the latest graduates, who were selected from islands across the Maldives.

The Ministry said the programme aims to address the shortage of imams capable of delivering Friday sermons in islands across the country while developing a new generation of young religious leaders to uphold and promote Islamic values.

Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said more than 600 young people have graduated from the programme since its launch. He added that the number of Huffaz in the Maldives has now reached 310.

The Minister said the Ministry has expanded Qur'an memorisation classes, with more than 2,000 students currently enrolled in Hifz programmes nationwide. He added that the Ministry's long-term target is to train 1,000 young Khateebs and produce 500 Huffaz.

In addition, the Ministry is preparing to hold a special conference for young Khateebs, imams and Huffaz as part of the commemoration of 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam. Imam Dr Yasser Al-Dosari of the Grand Mosque in Makkah has been invited as the guest of honour.

The Young Khateeb Training Programme is one of the Government’s priority initiatives. It aims to help address the shortage of Khateebs across the Maldives while providing young people with opportunities to serve their communities through religious leadership.