President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged young khatibs to lead by example in upholding the Maldives’ Islamic identity and shaping the nation’s intellectual future, emphasising the importance of aligning their words with their actions.
The President made the remarks while speaking as the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of the National Young Khatibs Symposium, held tonight at the Islamic Centre. The symposium was held as part of the commemorative events marking 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President described the more than 700 young people trained to undertake the responsibility of Islamic Dawah, including more than 300 who participated, a source of renewed strength for the Islamic spirit of the Maldivian people. He stated that their emergence represents renewed hope for the nation and an opportunity to nurture future mentors who can contribute to strengthening religious awareness across the Maldives.
Highlighting the role of youth, the President stated that Islamic and Maldivian history demonstrates the important role young people have played in advancing the religion. He reflected on the contributions of prominent young figures in Islamic history and the sacrifices of Maldivian scholars who left their families and homeland at a young age to pursue religious knowledge.
The President stated that knowledge is closely linked to wisdom and that the foundation of religion lies in promoting the public interest and social harmony. Emphasising that Islam upholds human dignity and promotes unity, peace and security within society, he urged young khatibs to exercise wisdom and prudence in their speech and writing.
Concluding his remarks, the President expressed his aspiration for today’s young khatibs to become tomorrow’s scholars, thinkers, leaders and eloquent orators of the Maldives.
The National Young Khatibs Symposium was a special one-day forum organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, bringing together young khatibs from across the country to commemorate 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.
The Government has implemented programmes to train young khatibs as part of the Administration’s efforts to strengthen the role of youth in upholding religion and national identity. Through five rounds of the initiative, more than 700 young people have been trained, helping to address the shortage of imams available to deliver Friday sermons across the islands. The initiative has also opened opportunities for young people with knowledge of the Holy Quran, a strong commitment to their faith and aspirations to pursue careers in Shariah and various academic fields.
