The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs’ (MERA) Al Ifta Office has announced the start of ‘Hedaya’ programme for new Muslims with the first semester slated to begin on September 26.

Hedaya is an annual training programme for the new Muslims in the sultanate (of both genders) that provides them with basic Islamic information.

In a statement, MERA said the aim of the programme is to establish Islamic understanding for new Muslims while creating friendly atmosphere for them in order to strengthen the bonds with those born Muslims.

‘The programme aims at teaching new Muslims the basic tenets, the pillars of faith and Islam. This is in addition to practical training of Islamic rituals and defining the culture of Omani society and its values stemming from the Islamic religion,’ MERA said.

The studies, which will be online for one hour everyday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm – Sunday to Thursday – will be in English.

‘The subjects include Holy Q’uran, Aqeeda (Islamic Creed), Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Seerah (Prophetic biography) and Arabic Language.’

‘There will be mid-term break from January 16 to February 17,’ MERA said.

The participant should be at age of 15 and above, and must have at least 80 per cent attendance.

‘A participant must have a valid visa till the end of the course, should be a new Muslim (five years or less) and should be good at English language.’

Those interested can apply online through the ministry’s website by attaching a copy of the passport, copy of the Islam certificate, and a copy of the ID card.

The first semester will be held from September 26 to January 13, 2022 and the second semester from February 20 to June 9, 2022.