The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakah (Awqaf), in cooperation with Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH), has launched the Project to Prepare the National Sharia Cadre for Religious Discourse.

The project was launched as part of Awqaf’s commitment to strengthen competencies in the field of Islamic affairs and qualify UAE Nationals to occupy religious positions, to support the UAE’s strategy to prepare Emiratis to participate in nation-building initiatives.

The programme aims to provide qualified cadres capable of promoting religious awareness, spreading the values of citizenship, and the meanings of the Islamic religion, and consolidating the UAE’s efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence, and peace. The programme seeks to attract distinguished high school graduates to work in religious jobs, such as Imams, preachers, Sharia researchers, and other relevant positions provided by Awqaf.

Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, E
ndowments and Zakat, emphasised that the programme aims to attract and sponsor Emirati high school graduates to help them obtain qualifications in religious and Sharia studies and enable them to occupy religious positions in Awqaf. He said that among the benefits provided by the programme include the cost of tuition fees and a housing and transportation allowance of AED6,000 per month.

He said that the scholarship programme requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, with a final grade of at least 90 percent. Candidates also need to obtain a score of no less than 1,200 points in the Emirates Standard Test (EMSAT) in the Arabic language, and 950 points in the English language or its equivalent in other standard tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS), along with passing the personal interview.

Scholars will be required to maintain a GPA of at least 3.6 in each semester throughout their studies, memorise eight parts of the Holy Qur’an, and pass the training seminars organised by Awqaf and the MBZU
H.

Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of the MBZUH, said the project embodies the university’s vision of providing society with Emirati graduates with solid qualifications in the field of Islamic and Sharia studies, who will undertake the tasks of promoting the principles and values of Islam that the UAE and its wise leadership have adopted.

Source : Emirates News Agency