Imams from Indonesia Arrive in UAE to Serve in Mosques
The 15 religious leaders are the first of 28 selected in March by the UAE General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) to travel to the Emirates. Eight more are expected to arrive in mid-November.
The imams will serve in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, among other locations.
The 'Imams from Indonesia' program was agreed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Joko Widodo, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, when he visited Abu Dhabi in January last year.
In total, the scheme will send more than 200 religious leaders to serve in the UAE by the end of next year.
Husin Bagis, the Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, said he was pleased the first imams had arrived in Abu Dhabi.
"The co-operation in sending imams is another proof of the close relationship of the two countries, which is not only focused on economic co-operation," said Bagis.
Organizers hope the program will encourage mutual learning for both countries, and promote a moderate understanding of Islam.
“The imams from Indonesia can learn how Islam is carried out in the UAE with full tolerance and [how to] contribute to the creation of peace in society, without causing any friction," said Bagis.
"When they return to Indonesia, they can implement and promote the same thing."
Another set of interviews for new imams took place in October in Jakarta, with representatives from Awqaf collaborating with the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs to handpick candidates.
Of 89 possible imams, 23 were selected, and are currently being processed by UAE authorities before arriving. They are expected to fly to the UAE in December this year.
Source: thenationalnews.com
