Khatib training programme launched for 50 councillors

Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched a khatib training programme specifically for local councilors.

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that 50 male councillors will be selected to participate in the first round of the training.

The course will run for a duration of 15 weeks and will be conducted online, with classes scheduled from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm on weekdays.

The training is exclusively for male councillors, and applicants will be chosen based on their ability to read the Qur’an, as well as their proficiency in Dhivehi and Arabic reading.

Those interested in taking part in the programme must submit their CVs and copies of their national ID cards before 1:00 pm on June 25.

The programme is part of the government’s strategy to build and expand the pool of trained people who can lead Friday sermons and prayers across the country.

In addition to the khatib training, the Ministry is also running a programme to train Hafiz, individuals who have memorized the entire Quran.

The government's goal is to produce 1,000 Hafiz within five years. So far, 266 individuals have completed the training, including 126 women and 140 men.