Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has launched a massive employment drive, announcing 31,000 new job openings for citizens across the Kingdom. This unprecedented initiative is aimed at bolstering the service standards in mosques nationwide, offering a flexible route into employment for thousands of qualified Saudis. The roles are specifically for Imams (prayer leaders) and Muezzins (those who call to prayer).
Largest job push in Saudi history
The announcement was made by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh. This latest recruitment phase is considered a historic achievement, forming part of the ministry’s largest employment drive ever undertaken. The current phase introduces 31,000 positions specifically for mosque personnel. The openings target citizens qualified to serve as Imams and Muezzins.When combined with 60,000 previous appointments finalized over four years, this brings the total number of jobs provided by the Ministry under the National Employment Initiative to a massive 91,000. These comprehensive employment efforts include roles for Preachers, Preacher Women, Imams, Muezzins, and Supervisors.
Understanding the ‘Rewards System’
The most crucial detail of this new employment campaign is the nature of the contracts. The 31,000 positions fall under a special arrangement known as the “Rewards System” (or Makafa’at).
- Unlike some previous full-time government positions, jobs under the Rewards System do not require full-time commitment.
- This flexibility is a huge advantage for applicants, as it allows appointees the vital opportunity to combine two jobs—they can hold a primary job while also serving their community in a mosque.
- Application Process: Qualified citizens are encouraged to apply directly through the Ministry’s branches located in the various regions of the Kingdom.
This system is designed to attract competent individuals who are already employed or managing personal ventures but wish to dedicate part of their time to the noble task of serving the houses of Allah.
Who can apply?
The general conditions for these roles, which include Imams and Muezzins under the flexible “Rewards System,” are based on the organizational laws for mosque personnel.
- The applicant must be a Saudi citizen.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must have a record of good conduct and behavior. They must not have been previously sentenced or imprisoned for any public or dishonorable crime.
- The applicant must be physically and mentally capable of performing the required duties.
It is not required to be exclusively dedicated (full-time) to the job. Appointees can combine this role with another existing job.
Qualifications for Imams
The required qualifications vary slightly depending on the mosque’s category (e.g., Grand Mosque vs. small local mosque), but generally include:
- Quran Proficiency: Must be a proficient reader (Qari’) of the Holy Qur’an. For higher-tier mosques, this includes being a Mujawwid (reciting with proper Tajweed) and memorizing a substantial portion of the Book (e.g., a third of the Qur’an).
- Basic Islamic Knowledge: Must have sufficient knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), especially the rulings related to worship (Ibadah), such as prayer.
Where to apply?
Unlike many modern government jobs in the Kingdom that rely on centralized online platforms, the Ministry has directed candidates to apply locally to ensure direct screening and assessment of qualifications.
- Method of Application: Candidates are urged to apply in person.
- Location: Applicants must visit the nearest branch offices (Furoo’) of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance in the various regions across the Kingdom.
By leveraging the flexible “Rewards System,” the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is not only filling staffing gaps but is also empowering qualified citizens to contribute meaningfully to their communities without sacrificing their primary livelihoods. This strategy ensures that the highest standard of service and religious guidance is maintained in the mosques, which are the beating heart of Saudi life.This move perfectly embodies the spirit of Saudi Vision 2030: utilizing national human resources, creating inclusive and diverse economic opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life. For citizens, this is a unique chance to fulfill a noble duty while participating in the nation’s ambitious transformation.The massive scale of this recruitment, bringing the total to over 91,000 appointments, cements the Ministry’s commitment to building a workforce capable of supporting a modern, thriving, and tolerant Saudi Arabia.
