Ministry of Endowment Keen on Qatari Imams

Doha, June 19 (QNA) - Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs has underlined its interest in attracting Qatari imams and preachers, in line with the directives of HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in this regard. The ministry adopted several mechanisms to attract about 30 Qatari imams every year to work in preaching and lading prayers, and has also implemented many regulations to ease the process for them, director of mosques administration Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwari said during a general meeting for Qatari imams and preachers. Al Kuwari said that HE the Minister of Endowment and Islamic Affairs is keen on attracting distinguished Qatari youth to work as imams and preachers and to enhance communication with the society sectors through them. Al Kuwari noted that the imam job is the only one that citizens are allowed to take up besides another state job. "The imam job is an additional one for Qatari citizens besides their main jobs. It has a separate competitive salary that could rise by adding the preaching bonus if they have enough knowledge to preach," he said. There are about 200 Qatari imams at the moment, Al Kuwari said, adding that the ministry aims to attract more youth cadres and graduates of Islamic universities in the near future. (QNA)