Imam Al Farij, a new initiative by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) Dubai, is offering young Dubai residents aged 16 to 21 the opportunity to train as imams and lead prayers in mosques around the city. Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative aims to promote religious awareness and education within Dubai’s society. The training will last for four months and will take place across 70 participating mosques, with sessions held three days a week.
Interested parents can register their children for the program by visiting the mosque closest to their home and providing their details to the mosque’s custodian. The deadline for registration is May 15, and the training will begin soon after. The participants will undergo a course consisting of educational sessions on imamate, prayer, and Quran memorization. Progress will be assessed by committees in September, and successful participants will have the opportunity to lead prayers in Dubai mosques.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, which aims to foster stable families and prepare future generations to be confident and steadfast in their identity. Dr Mohammed Suhail Al Muhairi, director of the Masjids Religious Services and head of the Imam Al Farij initiative team, highlighted the importance of the initiative in nurturing young leaders and fostering religious awareness within the community. Seventy mosques in Dubai have been designated to receive participants interested in joining the program.
To apply, interested parents can bring their children to the mosque after the afternoon prayer starting on May 1. Registration can be done through the mosque’s imam, and participants are required to attend at least 70 percent of the training sessions. The participants will receive in-person training on Mondays and Wednesdays, with remote sessions on Fridays for ages 16-21. For ages 6-15, remote sessions will be held on Sundays, and in-person sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The initiative aims to prepare the youth to become imams and contribute to the religious education and awareness in Dubai’s society.
In conclusion, Imam Al Farij is a groundbreaking initiative that offers young Dubai residents the opportunity to train as imams and lead prayers in mosques across the city. The initiative aims to promote religious awareness and education, aligning with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33. With training sessions held at 70 participating mosques, the program provides a unique opportunity for young people to develop their leadership skills and play a significant role in the community. Interested parents can register their children by visiting the mosque closest to their home, and successful participants will have the chance to lead prayers in Dubai mosques.
