Awqaf Ministry to hire 1,000 imams temporarily for Ramadan

AMMAN — The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs on Tuesday started implementing a plan to temporarily recruit preachers at some of the country’s mosques during the fasting month of Ramadan.

“Some mosques in Jordan do not have preachers. We have a shortage in the number of imams in many areas; therefore, and in light of the increased number of worshippers to mosques during Ramadan, especially for Taraweeh prayers, we initiated this plan,” Awqaf Minister Hayel Dawood told The Jordan Times on Tuesday.

As part of the plan, the ministry issued instructions to the heads of awqaf departments to recruit highly qualified preachers for Ramadan, he said.

“About 1,000 imams will be temporarily hired during Ramadan as part of the plan,” the minister added.

According to Dawood, there are some 3,000 imams distributed at the country’s 6,000 mosques.

He noted that the ministry is already implementing a strategy to recruit preachers at all of the country’s mosques, but the temporary recruitment of imams in Ramadan is necessary for the fasting month.

As part of the strategy, the ministry hired some 100 imams on a full-time basis before Ramadan and will continue implementing the strategy to address the shortage, Dawood said.

Also during Ramadan, special religious lessons will be held every day at mosques especially following Taraweeh, the special evening prayers performed after isha during the fasting month. 

Preachers will tackle several issues including moderation in Islam, combating violence and extremism and raise awareness about Islam’s teachings, the minister said.

Lessons will also focus on the Amman Message and efforts to clarify the true image of Islam as a religion of peace and moderation, he added.