In Dubai, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has launched a new initiative called ‘Preaching Content Creators’ to help Islamic preachers enhance their skills and create impactful digital content. This programme aims to bridge the gap between traditional preaching methods and modern digital outreach strategies. According to Sheikh Ayaz Housee, Imam of NGS and Khateeb at Al Manar Islamic Centre, this initiative will improve technical skills and professionalism among preachers, allowing them to spread messages of peace effectively to the younger generation.
Sheikh Ayaz Housee believes that adopting new technologies is crucial for preachers to engage with modern audiences effectively. The initiative focuses on providing preachers with the skills to use graphics, video, and sound to engage a wider audience and deliver messages of peace in a compelling manner. Sheikh Mohsin Saleh, an Imam at a mosque in Deira, also emphasized the benefits of the programme, stating that it helps preachers adapt religious teachings for social platforms, making them more accessible and relatable.
Engaging younger audiences is a key priority for the Preaching Content Creators programme. Sheikh Saleh highlighted the importance of creating visually appealing and concise content to capture the attention of the current generation, who are visual learners and consume information through social media platforms. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional preaching methods and modern digital outreach, enabling preachers to connect with younger audiences more effectively.
In addition to improving outreach capabilities, the programme will equip preachers with the skills to navigate the digital landscape, including handling misinformation and negative content. Sheikh Housee emphasized that understanding social media algorithms and managing digital presence effectively are essential skills that preachers will acquire through the initiative. By developing their storytelling abilities and understanding digital marketing trends, graduates will be able to communicate their messages professionally and effectively across various social media platforms.
The Preaching Content Creators programme spans five weeks with 100 training hours, covering essential skills such as digital content creation, public speaking, and creative storytelling. Participants will receive guidance from 20 lecturers and engage in workshops on media appearance, mobile photography, editing, and strategic content publishing. The curriculum also includes the latest trends in digital marketing and artificial intelligence, ensuring that graduates can manage their content professionally and communicate effectively with their audiences.
Overall, this initiative is designed to empower religious preachers with the knowledge and tools needed to spread their messages in the digital age. By enhancing their skills and understanding how to engage with modern audiences, preachers can ensure that their teachings remain impactful and relevant in today’s digital world. The Preaching Content Creators programme seeks to bridge the gap between traditional preaching methods and modern digital outreach, creating a new generation of preachers who can effectively communicate peace and religious teachings to a diverse audience.
