The National Symposium for Young Khateebs has begun in the Maldives, bringing together young religious speakers from across the country to mark the 900th anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam.
The symposium was inaugurated by Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed at a ceremony.
It aims to strengthen the role of young people in preserving the country's Islamic faith and national identity, while providing a platform for participants to exchange knowledge and discuss the future of the Young KhateebTraining Programme.
More than 700 young people have completed the training programme across five batches. The initiative has helped address the shortage of qualified individuals to deliver Friday sermons and lead religious services in islands across the atolls.
The symposium also seeks to support young people with knowledge of the Holy Quran and an interest in further studies in Shariah and other academic fields, enabling them to contribute to the religious development of the country.
The gathering is expected to strengthen networks among young Khateebs and encourage their continued contribution to communities throughout the Maldives.