Young imams lead late-night prayers in Naifaru

Naifaru island council reports students will be leading late-night prayers during Ramadan's last 10 days, similar to previous years.

Commencing from March 31st, coinciding with Ramadan 21st, students have been leading late-night prayers in four mosques of Naifaru.

The island council's president Mohamed Rasheed spoke with 'Sun' saying the decision to allow students to lead night prayers was to instill and foster the love for the Islamic faith, and encourage them to hone their skills as Imams and Hafizs.

The council earlier opened participation opportunity for interested students to lead prayers prior to Ramadan.

According to the council, a total of 10 students will lead late night prayers at Naifaru mosques;

• Yoosuf Zaknoon Mohamed Junaid
• Abdulla Zakwan Mohamed Rikzan
• Mohamed Yazin Yasir
• Zalif Madheef
• Abdulla Hayan Hameez
• Mohamed Hadhin Saudhulla
• Ismail Ashsham Ahmed
• Miruash Hussain Mirza
• Asir Asif Yoosuf
• Abdulla Shai'aan Abdul Wahid

The students are aged between 12 and 15 years, while the council confirms the Ministry of Islamic Affairs conducted special sessions for the students to prepare themselves as Imams.

The ministry has extended permission to these students to lead Tarawih and late-night prayer congregations. "We would like to highlight the ministry's support in this effort," the council said.

The council further added the endeavor received support from the general public, Qaris and others.