Shura Council Reviews Awqaf's Plan For Overseeing, Directing Islamic Affairs

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Shura Council held Monday its regular weekly session in the Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Council's premises under the chairmanship of HE Speaker of the Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.
The council hosted HE Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, along with a number of Ministry specialists, to present key aspects of the ministry's strategic plan for overseeing and directing Islamic religious affairs in the state in various areas such as mosque management, endowment management, zakat affairs, Haj and Umrah, and serving the Holy Quran, as well as its role in promoting Islamic values and national identity among youth.
At the beginning of the session, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim praised the efforts of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in managing mosques, serving the Holy Quran, managing zakat, Haj, and Umrah affairs, and enhancing the role of endowments.
He also emphasised the importance of the ministry's role in instilling Islamic values and strengthening national identity through its programs and initiatives aimed at raising religious awareness and promoting moral values among all segments of society, fostering national belonging among the younger generation, and addressing intellectual challenges.
HE the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs presented a comprehensive overview of the ministry's efforts in implementing its strategic plan, which aims to enhance Islamic values and reinforce national identity by developing comprehensive programs that focus on directing Islamic religious affairs and promoting moderate Islamic discourse in a manner that fosters positive Islamic values and reinforces virtuous moral principles in society.
HE Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem emphasized that the ministry is keen on developing institutional work within it by improving performance efficiency and adopting the latest administrative technologies and systems to ensure the provision of high-quality services.
Regarding mosques, His Excellency stated that the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs continues to improve the environment of mosques and religious centers by expanding their establishment and care, distributing them according to urban plans and population growth, and ensuring they are well-prepared to welcome worshippers with the highest level of services, thereby enhancing their role in guidance and community service.
He also mentioned that the ministry takes into account architectural and planning standards that reflect Qatari identity and culture in the construction of mosques and ensures their sustainability through efficient energy use, noting that there are future plans to develop the infrastructure of mosques and enhance their management and services efficiency.
Concerning the Zakat Fund, His Excellency indicated the development of systems and mechanisms for collecting and distributing zakat, including digital systems, according to Shariah-compliant guidelines that ensure the maximum possible social impact. The resources of zakat are directed efficiently and equitably to eligible recipients, enhancing social solidarity in the state.
He added that the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is working on updating mechanisms for receiving and disbursing zakat by developing digital systems that allow citizens to view the details of Shariah-compliant expenditures, thereby increasing their confidence in the zakat fund's distribution mechanism, alongside raising awareness of this religious duty.
HE Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem discussed the ministry's efforts in nurturing youth and instilling Islamic values and national identity in the upcoming generations, considering this one of the ministry's top priorities.
He also stressed the importance of partnering with various national institutions to ensure the integration of efforts in this field, contributing to the desired goals of building an aware and identity-conscious generation.
In discussing the enhancement of mosques, Quran memorization centers, and religious centers, His Excellency highlighted that the ministry continues to work on developing these religious institutions, not only as places of worship but also as centers of guidance and education, playing a significant role in raising community awareness, helping individuals protect themselves from negative influences, and enhancing the role of religion in achieving family and social stability.
HE the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs emphasized the importance of training imams and preachers, ensuring they deliver religious messages in a manner that strengthens community ties and promotes the values of brotherhood and cooperation.
He reviewed efforts to attract national talent to occupy positions of imams and preachers, highlighting a comprehensive plan aimed at training and preparing Qatari imams and preachers to effectively enhance religious awareness and spread noble Islamic values.
Regarding services provided to Haj and Umrah pilgrims, His Excellency assured that the ministry is committed to providing the highest levels of service to the pilgrims by developing support and guidance programs and deploying specialized teams to ensure seamless facilitation of religious rites. Clear instructions are provided to enrich the religious experience and comfort of pilgrims during their journey, he pointed out.
HE the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs also discussed the ministry's role in promoting social solidarity through the management of endowments, directing them towards developmental projects that benefit society and fulfill their humanitarian and charitable goals.
He confirmed the ministry's dedication to expanding the endowment base, encouraging endowment initiatives to support charitable, educational, and health projects, and providing facilities for endowers to enhance the role of endowments in achieving sustainable development.
His Excellency addressed the challenges faced by the ministry in implementing its strategic plan, noting the need for continuous development in work methods and strengthening partnerships with various entities to ensure the achievement of desired goals.
He stressed that the ministry continues its efforts to improve its services to meet the needs of society and keep pace with changes in the religious and social landscape.
In conclusion, His Excellency reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to positively engaging with constructive proposals and ideas, emphasizing the importance of partnership between the ministry and the community to achieve common goals in promoting religious values, strengthening national identity, and achieving sustainable social development.
He expressed his anticipation for continued cooperation with the Shura Council in serving the public interest and realizing Qatar's national vision in various fields.
Shura Council members highlighted the importance of enhancing the role of mosques as places of worship and platforms for guidance, their planning standards, and distribution. They also discussed the importance of developing endowments to ensure maximum social returns to benefit various deserving groups.
They emphasized the necessity of encouraging the appointment of Qatari imams and preachers, providing them with necessary support, whether through training or by creating an encouraging work environment to attract more national talent to this important field.
Shura Council Members also addressed the issue of zakat, stressing the need to clarify the mechanisms for distributing zakat funds and ensuring they reach eligible recipients according to the best standards, with an emphasis on transparency in presenting data related to zakat's legitimate expenditures.
In another matter, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim mentioned during the session the council's readiness to participate in the National Sports Day activities taking place Tuesday. He emphasized the importance of everyone's participation in this national sports event.
His Excellency underscored the necessity of engaging with the various activities to be held on this occasion, highlighting the vital role of sports in enhancing individuals' and society's health, contributing to a better quality of life, and positively reflecting on various fields.
He also urged all citizens and residents to seize this opportunity to establish sports as a priority and a permanent lifestyle practiced regularly throughout the year.

MENAFN10022025000067011011ID1109189763