Being an imam overseas requires dedication, good religious knowledge

However, it was not as simple as it sounds because they were not only required to lead Muslims in the foreign land in performing obligatory and supplementary prayers, but also organising religious activities, including classes for children.

"Besides leading the Tarawih prayers, our tasks also include leading the obligatory prayers, giving short lectures after Zohor prayer and in between Tarawih prayers, teaching Quran to children and adults, as well as conducting Fardhu Ain classes.

"So being an imam, especially overseas, really requires one to be highly dedicated and to have good religious knowledge," said Mohd Aminur Rahman Mohamed Rashid, 26.

Mohd Aminur Rahman, who is also the manager of Saidina Ali Abi Talib Mosque in Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan, Pahang, is among the 12 MTNP students invited to lead Tarawih prayers overseas under the MTNP missionary programme which began in 2014.

The programme is being implemented with the support of Yayasan Pahang and other agencies including the Pahang State Development Corporation, the Agricultural Enterprises Development Authority, Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council and Amanah Saham Pahang Berhad.

This year, Mohd Aminur Rahman is leading the congregation at the Malaysian Embassy in the United States, Washington DC. In 2014, he was posted at the Malaysia Hall in Sydney, Australia, and last year, at the Darul Imaan Mosque, also in Sydney, Australia.

"This year, we will be here (in Washington DC) until June 29. I am here with Ahmad Mukmin Noor Hishamuddin, while our eight other colleagues are doing it in Australia, and two others in Sweden," the eldest of three siblings told Bernama when contacted.

Mohd Aminur Rahman said among the criteria required to be eligible for the programme were having excellent academic qualification, good personality and leadership quality, as well as English language proficiency.

"Those who are applying also need to be self-reliant and hold themselves well in new places. Knowledge in Arabic would be an advantage," he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Mukmin, 20, said being selected for the tasks was indeed a golden opportunity and the best form of exposure for him to improve his religious knowledge and to give back to the community.

"This is the first time I joined the programme and was posted to the United States. It is an opportunity for us to experience life here, and get a feel of the Islamic atmosphere abroad.

"This is Allah's provision for us to serve the Muslim community abroad and to enhance our knowledge and experience," he said.