Belgium Launches First Imam Training Program at KU Leuven, Graduates Expected in 2025

A first in Belgium, according to local media. The curriculum, developed in collaboration with the Muslim Executive and the federal government, was recommended by the parliamentary inquiry commission after the March 22, 2016 attacks in Brussels, says Justice Minister Koen Geens (CD&V).

The latter hopes that the influence of foreign countries in this field will be reduced and that the subjects taught will be better known, reports 7sur7.be

The same media specifies that thirty trainee imams will benefit from the teaching which will be given in Dutch and Arabic for a duration of six years. The first two years of general education will take place at KU Leuven and the other four years of theological training at the Afor, an Islamic studies academy created in collaboration with the Muslim Executive.

It should be noted that once the diploma is obtained, the imams should be recognized by the government. In addition, discussions are currently underway with the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) to offer a similar training in the French community.