Ministry plans certification system to address imam shortage
Shaheem said the shortage was linked to the growing number of mosques and the limited number of people in some communities who meet the qualifications.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is developing a training and certification system for imams as part of efforts to address the shortage of permanent imams in island mosques.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said in a Facebook post on Monday that several islands do not have permanent imams to lead congregational prayers.
Shaheem said the shortage was linked to the growing number of mosques and the limited number of people in some communities who meet the qualifications required for full-time imam positions.
“This issue has arisen across various islands due to the growing number of mosques, combined with a shortage of individuals in certain communities who meet the professional qualifications required to hold a full-time imam position,” he said.
According to the minister, the ministry is working on measures to reduce reliance on temporary imams and fill vacant positions.
The proposed measures include creating employment opportunities in the field for O-Level graduates who are interested in becoming imams.
The ministry also plans to develop and publish a training curriculum for people who have not completed a formal course in imam studies.
Under the proposed system, an examination for imams would be held each year. Those who meet the requirements would receive a licence allowing them to serve as imams.
Shaheem said the ministry would announce the implementation plan after completing consultations with the relevant state institutions.
