A new proposal has been put forward by MPs in Bahrain to provide benefits for Bahraini imams by including them in the public service wage scale under the Civil Service Bureau’s shift system. The goal of this proposal is to attract more youth to the roles of imams and muezzins, and address the growing shortage in the profession. The aim is to make these positions more appealing as they play a crucial role in upholding community traditions and religious practices.
If passed, the proposal will place a full-time Bahraini imam with at least a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies or an equivalent qualification at grade eight on the public pay scale. Similarly, a full-time Bahraini muezzin or caretaker with comparable qualifications would be placed at grade seven. These roles will also be offered standard public sector benefits including promotions, annual pay rises, allowances, and leave according to the Civil Service Law and its regulations. Additionally, PhD holders will receive a monthly bonus of BD150 and those with a master’s degree will receive BD100.
MPs Khaled Buanaq, Ahmed Al Salloom, Hanan Fardan, Basema Abdulkarim, and Maryam Al Saiegh are the ones supporting the proposal. The explanatory memorandum accompanying the bill emphasizes the need to make these positions more attractive to Bahrainis by securing their place within the public service ranks and providing financial stability. Lawmakers believe that these adjustments will encourage more young Bahrainis to consider these respected roles, which are essential to the nation’s cultural and spiritual life.
This proposal aims to provide incentives for Bahraini imams by offering them benefits such as being included in the public service wage scale and providing bonuses for those with advanced degrees. The goal is to boost the number of youth interested in these roles and address the shortage in the profession. By making these positions more appealing, the proposal seeks to ensure the continued tradition of community practices and religious rituals in Bahrain.
If the proposal is passed, Bahraini imams with a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies or equivalent qualification will be placed at grade eight on the public pay scale, while muezzins and caretakers with comparable qualifications will be positioned at grade seven. Furthermore, these roles will be entitled to standard public sector benefits such as promotions, annual pay rises, allowances, and leave in accordance with the Civil Service Law. Additionally, those with higher qualifications like PhD or master’s degree will receive monthly bonuses.
The MPs supporting this proposal believe that by making these positions more attractive and securing their place within the public service ranks, the nation can encourage more young Bahrainis to consider becoming imams and muezzins. It highlights the importance of these roles in maintaining cultural and spiritual practices within the community. The hope is that by providing financial stability and benefits, more Bahrainis will be inclined to pursue these respected positions, ensuring the continuity of these traditions in the future.
