Saudi Ministry Holds Second Course for Imams in Maldives

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched the second foundational course for preachers and imams in the Republic of Maldives, bringing together more than 100 participants, including preachers, imams, and university students. The two-day programme, which began on July 9, 2024, is taking place at the headquarters of the Maldivian Ministry of Islamic Affairs in the capital, Malé. The initiative underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Islamic education and fostering moderation worldwide.

Context and Background

The course is part of a series of training programmes organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of religious leaders in partner countries. It builds on the success of the first foundational course held previously, which received positive feedback from participants and Maldivian authorities. The initiative reflects the deep-rooted bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, both of which share a commitment to promoting tolerant Islamic values.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Maldivian Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and the rector of the Islamic University in the Maldives, Dr. Ali Zahir bin Saeed Qasim. Their presence highlights the importance both nations place on religious education and cooperation in Islamic affairs.

Key Details

During his speech, Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed praised the strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the Maldives. He commended Saudi Arabia for its invaluable contributions to Islam and Muslims, as well as its dedication to the Two Holy Mosques. The minister also highlighted the level of cooperation between the ministries of the two countries and expressed his country’s keen interest in benefiting from the Kingdom’s experience in Islamic affairs, spreading a culture of tolerance, and promoting the values of moderation.

The course curriculum covers essential topics such as Islamic jurisprudence, preaching methods, and the promotion of moderation. It aims to equip preachers and imams with the tools to address contemporary challenges and foster harmony within their communities. The participation of over 100 individuals demonstrates the demand for such training and the desire to learn from Saudi Arabia’s expertise.

Implications and Impact

This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the religious landscape of the Maldives by enhancing the capacity of local preachers and imams. It strengthens the bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives and serves as a model for similar collaborations in other countries. By promoting moderation and tolerance, the course contributes to global efforts to counter extremism and build peaceful societies.

Furthermore, the involvement of university students ensures that the next generation of religious leaders is well-prepared to carry forward the message of moderation. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to support Islamic education and promote its moderate values internationally.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasises the importance of international cooperation and the promotion of moderate Islam. This course is a clear manifestation of that vision, as it extends the Kingdom’s educational outreach and strengthens its role as a global leader in Islamic affairs. By investing in the training of preachers and imams abroad, Saudi Arabia contributes to the development of resilient, moderate communities and reinforces its commitment to peace and stability. Such initiatives also enhance the Kingdom’s soft power and demonstrate its dedication to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the purpose of the foundational course for preachers and imams in the Maldives?

A1. The course aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of preachers and imams in the Maldives, promoting moderate Islamic values and tolerance. It is organised by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance with over 100 participants.

Q2. How many participants are attending the second foundational course?

A2. More than 100 participants, including preachers, imams, and university students, are attending the course. This reflects the strong interest in benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s expertise in Islamic affairs.

Q3. Where is the course taking place?

A3. The course is being held at the headquarters of the Maldivian Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. It commenced on July 9, 2024, and lasts for two days.

Q4. Who attended the opening ceremony?

A4. The opening ceremony was attended by the Maldivian Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and the rector of the Islamic University in the Maldives, Dr. Ali Zahir bin Saeed Qasim.

Q5. What did the Maldivian Minister say about Saudi Arabia?

A5. He praised the strong bilateral relations and commended Saudi Arabia for its contributions to Islam and Muslims, as well as its dedication to the Two Holy Mosques. He also highlighted cooperation between the two ministries.

Q6. What topics are covered in the course?

A6. The curriculum includes Islamic jurisprudence, preaching methods, and the promotion of moderation. It aims to equip preachers and imams to address contemporary challenges and foster harmony.

Q7. How does this course benefit the Maldives?

A7. It enhances the capacity of local preachers and imams, strengthens bilateral ties, and promotes moderation and tolerance. It also contributes to countering extremism and building peaceful societies.

Q8. Is this the first such course in the Maldives?

A8. No, it is the second foundational course. The first was held previously and received positive feedback, leading to this follow-up initiative.

Q9. What is the role of university students in the course?

A9. Their involvement ensures that the next generation of religious leaders is well-prepared to carry forward the message of moderation and tolerance, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s strategy.

Q10. How does the course align with Vision 2030?

A10. It reflects Vision 2030’s emphasis on international cooperation and promoting moderate Islam. It extends Saudi Arabia’s educational outreach and strengthens its global leadership in Islamic affairs.

Q11. What is the duration of the course?

A11. The course is two days long, starting on July 9, 2024. It is designed to provide intensive training and insights within a short period.

Q12. Which Saudi ministry is organising the course?

A12. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is organising the course. It is responsible for promoting Islamic values and supporting religious education globally.

Q13. What is the significance of the course for Saudi-Maldivian relations?

A13. It strengthens bilateral ties and demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Islamic education in the Maldives. It also fosters cooperation between the two ministries.

Q14. How does the course promote moderation?

A14. By training preachers and imams in moderate Islamic teachings, the course helps spread a culture of tolerance and counter extremism, contributing to peaceful communities.

Q15. Will there be more such courses in the future?

A15. The success of this and previous courses suggests potential for future collaborations. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance continues to support such initiatives worldwide.

Q16. What is the Maldivian Ministry’s role in the course?

A16. The Maldivian Ministry of Islamic Affairs hosts the course and collaborates with Saudi authorities. Its minister attended the opening and praised the cooperation.

Q17. How does the course address contemporary challenges?

A17. It equips preachers and imams with knowledge to address modern issues through moderate interpretations, fostering harmony and resilience in their communities.

Q18. What benefits do participants gain from the course?

A18. Participants gain enhanced skills in preaching, deeper understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, and tools to promote moderation. They also benefit from Saudi Arabia’s expertise.

Q19. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from organising this course?

A19. It enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power, reinforces its role as a global leader in Islamic affairs, and strengthens ties with the Maldives, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Q20. What message does this course convey to the international community?

A20. It conveys Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting moderate Islam, tolerance, and international cooperation. It showcases the Kingdom’s dedication to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide.

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