The role of imams is critical in Muslim societies. They are not only responsible for leading Islamic worship services inside the mosque, they also have a role in shaping the values of the larger community. This is why there is a need for more Emirati imams in the UAE, where currently only 4 per cent of imams and muezzins are nationals, the rest coming from other Arab and South Asian countries.
As The National reported yesterday, Hamdan Al Mazrouei, chairman of Awqaf, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, proposed offering more incentives for Emiratis to take on this role. He suggested raising the salaries of Emirati imams to match those of jobs that require bachelor degrees, providing them with good accommodation next to their mosques and perhaps changing their title to "preacher".
By professionalising the pursuit, more Emirati men could consider taking on a role which, as Mr Al Mazrouei said, at the moment “does not sound very appealing socially”.
Indeed, one way of professionalising the role would be to require a university degree. An education in religion ought to be essential to the role of an imam. But there are also related subjects that would be relevant for a pastoral role in a modern society.
After all, imams have an extended role in the community, including consultation in personal and social issues. People may seek their advice in spiritual, marriage and family issues. They lead educational gatherings in mosques, interact with young people and teach them about the Quran and reform them away from radical or extremist viewpoints. As a matter of fact, the word “imam” means “to stand in front of”, referring to the position of the imam in front of the worshippers during prayer and when they deliver the Friday sermon, but it also extends to religious leadership in the wider community. A degree course that included elements of psychology, counselling and youth work, would prepare imams for their roles.
Having more Emirati imams would play a role in promoting social harmony. People would be more comfortable interacting with imams from their own society and listening to what they have to say. Emirati imams, in turn, could interpret Islamic teachings in the way most relevant for the culture. The role of imams is critical; they are also educators and reformers and this is why society needs them.
