The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has extended the application deadline for the National Young Khatibs Convention, which will be held to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam.

Applications will now remain open until 30 July, with the convention scheduled for 13 September, which falls on 2 Rabi' al-Akhir, the date the Maldives embraced Islam. The event is open to graduates of the Ministry's Young Khatibs Training Programme, Hifz Imams who led Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, and serving Imams and Khatibs under the age of 30.

The convention will feature Sheikh Dr Yasser Al-Dosari, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as its distinguished guest. Minister of Islamic Affairs  and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said the gathering would provide an important platform for young Khatibs and Huffaz who will play a leading role in preserving and strengthening the Islamic identity of the Maldives in the coming Islamic century.

The ministry said 621 young Khatibs have completed its training programme to date, while the number of certified Huffaz has reached 310. It also said arrangements would be made to facilitate the participation of young Khatibs travelling to Malé for the convention.