Young Emiratis in the UAE as young as 20 are entering the field of preaching, focusing on delivering religious messages in mosques across the country. These young preachers have recently graduated from the ‘Nation’s Preachers’ program initiated by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities. The program trains university students to deliver Friday sermons and promotes the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace in Islam. The students, specializing in Islamic studies, draw inspiration from their parents who have been preaching for years. For example, Mohammed Al Shahi, a young preacher, followed his father’s path after witnessing his passion for preaching since childhood.
These young preachers, including Mohammed Al Shahi and Mohammed Al Attas, have completed a three-week program to enhance their public speaking skills, focusing on voice modulation during sermons. The program included theoretical aspects of sermon preparation in the first week, body language skills, and practical applications of delivering Friday sermons in the following weeks. The students expressed their aspirations to continue their studies in the field of preaching, with Al Attas aiming to pursue a PhD and serve his country by promoting Islamic values through various platforms like media, sermons, seminars, and classrooms.
The program has sparked enthusiasm among the students towards the art of preaching, with Suleiman Al Darmaki, a 20-year-old participant, mentioning that he fell in love with preaching through the program and wished for a longer training period. He emphasized the importance of voice modulation in delivering impactful sermons and mentioned his goal to become the Imam and preacher at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Zayed Al Mansouri, another student, also shared his ambition to be a role model for Emirati youth in the field of imamat, azan, and preaching by improving his public speaking performance and learning captivating techniques during sermons.
The young preachers in the UAE perceive the ‘Nation’s Preachers’ program as a unique experience that has helped develop their public speaking skills and prepare them to leave a significant mark in the field of preaching. Their commitment to spreading the values of Islam, promoting tolerance, and fostering peace reflects a generation dedicated to carrying on the tradition of preaching in the country. By following in the footsteps of their parents and receiving formal training through programs like this, these young Emiratis are poised to make a positive impact in their communities through their role as preachers in mosques across the UAE.
With a strong foundation in Islamic studies and practical experience gained through the program, the young preachers are equipped to engage with their audiences effectively, delivering inspiring and informative sermons that resonate with the community. Their dedication to enhancing their skills, pursuing further education, and aspiring to leadership roles as imams and preachers showcase their commitment to serving their country and promoting the teachings of Islam. Through programs like the ‘Nation’s Preachers’, the UAE continues to nurture a new generation of preachers who are passionate about conveying the message of peace and tolerance to society. The future of preaching in the country looks promising with these young Emiratis bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to mosques across the UAE.
