In a transformative move to redefine the role of community religious leaders, over 30 village Imams gathered this week for a high-impact training session organized by iERA Uganda. The monthly initiative aims to shift the focus of local leadership from merely conducting congregational prayers to becoming proactive Dawah Specialists dedicated to inviting people back to Allah.
The intensive one-day program, spearheaded by the iERA Education Office, brought together influential leaders from various villages to equip them with the tools necessary for effective outreach. Led by Brother Akram, the iERA Uganda Education Officer, the session emphasized that an Imam’s duty extends far beyond the four walls of the mosque.
Brother Faiswal the District Head encouraged Imams to take an active role in calling people to Islam as a means to “occupy and make mosques useful” hubs for the community.
Sheikh Swalahudin, one of the trainers and a senior Outreach Specialist, focused on the ethical foundation of leadership, appealing to Imams to maintain trustworthiness when entrusted with public property, noting that integrity is the key to securing the hearts of the population.”We are calling on Imams to use their positions not just to lead prayers, but to widen the reach of Islam in every household,” noted the County Sheikh, Brother Yahya, who praised iERA for bringing visible change to rural communities.
During the session, Brother Akram the iERA Uganda education officer expressed gratitude to the village leaders for their hospitality toward iERA’s visiting Dawah teams. He urged them to stop being mere spectators and instead “join hands” with the teams on the ground, integrating themselves into the active mission of spreading the message of Islam.
The impact of iERA’s consistent efforts did not go unnoticed. The attending Imams were vocal in their appreciation, testifying to the visible growth of Islam in their respective jurisdictions. They urged the organization to maintain its presence in the villages, citing a renewed sense of purpose among their congregations.
