Australia could benefit from a world-first training program developed by the Kuwaiti government to combat religious extremism at its roots, one of its senior officials has advised.

The program, which has been running successfully in Russia, Azerbaijan and the Ukraine, is aimed at eliminating radical ideology by educating religious leaders and those in positions of power and influence, according to Dr Adel al-Falah, the under secretary for Kuwait’s Ministry of of Awqaf and Islamic Developments.

Speaking on a visit to Sydney, Dr al-Falah, said they had already trained 1000 Imams and they have 450 educators providing guidance to Muslim leaders around the world.

‘‘As a result of the training in Kuwait, not one extremist group has come to the fore in recent times,’’ said Dr al-Falah.

‘‘The issue of moderation is a serious business, and this program is suitable for Australia or any country that has Muslims living there,’’ he said.

Dr al-Falah’s comments follow a public outcry earlier this month about a fatwa against celebrating Christmas being published on the Facebook site of the Lakemba Mosque. Officials said the fatwa was not sanctioned and it was removed.

via Kuwaiti education program aims to combat religious extremism.