Saudi Arabia's efforts in training imams and preachers in Tanzania 2026
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s keenness to spread the values of tolerance and moderation, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Kingdom’s Embassy, organized its first scientific courses within the program to train imams and preachers in Tanzania for the year 2026. This prominent event was held in the Tanzanian city of Arusha, to form a strong start towards promoting moderate religious discourse and developing preaching competencies in the African continent.
The depth of historical relations and joint Islamic cooperation
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Republic of Tanzania share deep historical ties spanning decades, with Tanzania being one of the African countries with a prominent Muslim presence. The Kingdom, in its role as a leader in the Islamic world, has consistently provided support to Muslims in East Africa. This cooperation in the religious sphere builds upon previous efforts that included the construction of mosques, the distribution of copies of the Quran, and the provision of scholarships for Tanzanian students at Saudi universities. The selection of Arusha to host this event reflects the strategic importance of this city as a vital center for cultural and religious exchange in the region.
The main themes and objectives of the scientific course
The scientific course was presented by Sheikh Musa bin Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, who reviewed a range of precise scientific topics aimed at strengthening the foundations of sound Islamic doctrine. The lectures focused on consolidating the concepts of moderation and balance, rejecting extremism and fanaticism, and clarifying the pure image of Islam. The course witnessed significant participation, with 110 imams, preachers, and da'wah workers attending from various regions of Tanzania, reflecting the strong desire for such structured scientific programs. This initiative comes within the framework of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance the scientific and methodological competence of the participants, thereby directly contributing to supporting their da'wah mission and guiding their communities towards goodness and peace.
Expected impact of training programs for imams and preachers in Tanzania
programs for imams and preachers in Tanzania of paramount importance at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, these courses contribute to unifying religious discourse within Tanzanian society, thereby strengthening social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among its diverse groups. Regionally, the graduation of academically and intellectually qualified preachers positions Tanzania as a model for East Africa in combating destructive ideologies. Internationally, these initiatives underscore the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in guiding institutional Islamic work and presenting Islam's tolerant message to the world, free from any distortion or intellectual deviation.
Continuation of quality programs to serve Islam and Muslims
For his part, Sheikh Mutaib Al-Zamai, the Religious Attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the United Republic of Tanzania, praised the great importance of this course. He noted its sound academic content, which contributes to establishing the principles of moderation and balance, and enhances the capabilities of imams and preachers in conveying the tolerant message of Islam according to a correct and clear methodology. Sheikh Al-Zamai affirmed the Religious Attaché's commitment to continuing to implement high-quality programs that serve the work of Islamic outreach in Tanzania and meet the needs of Muslims there. This blessed course is an integral part of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs' external programs, which aim to build the capacities of religious personnel, disseminate noble Islamic values, and strengthen the Kingdom's active and influential presence in serving Islam and Muslims throughout the world.
