Latest news with #DepartmentofIslamicAffairs
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- General
- Gulf Today
4 new mosques open in Sharjah, accommodating 4,000 worshippers
The Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs has opened four new mosques in Sharjah City, including three in Al Seyouh suburb and one in Al Rahmaniyah suburb. The mosques can accommodate approximately 4,000 male and female worshippers. This comes in line with the vision and aspirations of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to enable citizens and residents to perform their religious rituals with ease and peace of mind. The four mosques, which were built with funding from philanthropists, feature diverse architectural styles that blend all Islamic and modern architectural arts. They were opened as part of the department's plan for the current year to meet community needs and provide an integrated spiritual environment for worshippers, contributing to strengthening the social fabric and consolidating Islamic values. Al Ghaith Mosque was built in Al Mowrrada 8 of Al Seyouh suburb, covering a total area of 11,312 square metres. It includes a prayer hall and its service facilities and accommodates 700 worshippers including 130 women. The opening ceremony was attended by Abdullah Khalifa Yaroof Al Sabousi, Chairman of Department of Islamic Affairs, who was accompanied by the philanthropist who financed the mosque, as well as a number of department officials and residents of the suburb. They performed the noon prayer and listened to a sermon on the virtues of building and caring for mosques in the Emirate of Sharjah. The department also opened the 'Companion Anis Bin Qatada' Mosque in Al-Mowrrada 8 of Al Seyouh suburb, on a total land area of 3,532 square metres. The mosque includes a prayer hall and its service facilities and can accommodate 700 worshippers including 140 women. The 'Companion Rafe'a Bin Malik' Mosque was built in the Al Mowrrada 4 of Al Seyouh suburb, covering a total area of 3,605 square metres. The mosque, which includes a prayer hall and its service facilities, can accommodate 600 worshippers including 82 women. In Shaghrafa 2 of Al Rahmaniya suburb, the department inaugurated the 'Bab Al Rayyan' Mosque. It was built on a total area of 11,940 square metres and includes a prayer hall and its service facilities. The mosque can accommodate 2,000 worshippers including 110 women.
Sharjah 24
26-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Islamic Affairs holds 'Hajj... Step by Step'
Two primary focuses The seminar included two major components: religious and health-related. A sizeable number of people attended. The department also distributed awareness kits, which included brochures and leaflets detailing Hajj rituals. The University Hospital clinic also provided medical check-ups, particularly for individuals with diabetes and hypertension, as well as health advice to pilgrims to safeguard their safety throughout Hajj. Religious focus The religious part, delivered by the Department of Islamic Affairs, included a thorough explanation of the Hajj ceremonies. Participants learnt about Hajj's teachings, virtues, requirements, and pillars. The Department of Islamic Affairs provided a detailed review of the pilgrimage protocols, along with preparation guidance, common mistakes to avoid, and responses to personal questions. Health focus The health component was overseen by medical professionals from Emirates Health Services, who provided preventive advice to avoid any health difficulties during the Hajj. They concentrated on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, preventing infectious diseases, dealing with high temperatures, maintaining good nutrition, and emphasising the significance of immunisations and medical preparedness. Awareness programmes The government verified that this session is part of a larger public awareness effort for this year's Hajj season. It consists of rigorous seminars and educational sessions, printed materials, and religious lessons in Sharjah mosques on the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Outreach initiatives at the airport and homes To assist people who were unable to attend the seminars, the department sent preachers to Sharjah International Airport's departure hall to answer questions and give guidance packages. It also arranges house visits for older pilgrims ravelling through Sharjah campaigns, where representatives answer questions and provide accurate explanations of Hajj rituals.
Gulf Today
26-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
AUS declared zakat-eligible for student scholarships
The Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah has confirmed — through an official fatwa — that supporting higher education is a recognised form of zakat. A fatwa, meaning a formal clarification or ruling on Islamic law, affirms that the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is eligible to receive zakat contributions for student scholarships. This designation allows donors to fulfil their zakat obligations while directly transforming the lives of students facing financial challenges. Zakat – meaning purification or almsgiving – is an essential form of charitable giving and pillar in Islam, ensuring financial support for those in need. For many students, financial constraints can be a barrier to achieving their academic aspirations. By directing zakat contributions toward scholarships, AUS ensures that talented students facing financial challenges receive the support they need to continue their education without disruption. Members of the AUS business community have already begun contributing their zakat to scholarships, further reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. 'Education is a powerful tool for opportunity and progress. By contributing zakat toward student scholarships, our community is playing an essential role in shaping futures and removing financial barriers to success,' said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'The generosity we are witnessing is a testament to the profound impact education has in transforming lives and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our donors.' The scholarships funded through zakat are designated for Muslim students facing financial difficulties and cover a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, business and the arts and sciences. 'Scholarships have long been a cornerstone of AUS' mission to provide a world-class education to talented students, regardless of financial background. At AUS, we work throughout the year to ensure that students have access to financial support, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. The acceptance of zakat contributions adds another meaningful dimension to these efforts, allowing even more students to benefit from the generosity of our community,' said Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. AUS invites individuals and organisations to embrace the spirit of Ramadan — a time of giving, compassion and shared responsibility — by contributing to student scholarships and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of educational success. To contribute or learn more, please visit or contact the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at [email protected] .
Sharjah 24
20-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SEWA provides services to 17 new mosques in Sharjah
Engineer Ahmed Al Bas, who oversees the Electricity Distribution Department, shared that SEWA is dedicated to serving all mosques in Sharjah as soon as construction is finished. This initiative is under the direct guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah. He highlighted the collaboration between SEWA and the Department of Islamic Affairs aimed at enhancing services for the community. This partnership also focuses on efficient operations and educating people on how to effectively use resources. The new mosques are located throughout various areas in Sharjah. Engineer Yousef Mohammed Abdullah Al Hammadi, in charge of the Kalba Administration, mentioned that SEWA is committed to serving all areas of the emirate. In line with Ramadan, three mosques in the Al Ghail 3 and Al Ghail 7 areas of Kalba have received electricity. Efforts are ongoing to connect electricity to two additional mosques in the Al Saf area and the University District once the necessary documents are received from the contractors. In Khorfakkan, Engineer Saud Abdul Aziz, who leads SEWA's Khorfakkan department, noted that two mosques in the area have been equipped with electricity, again adhering to high standards thanks to the dedicated work of SEWA's teams.
Gulf Today
08-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
380 Iftar sites dedicated to fasting people in Sharjah
The Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah has announced 380 Iftar sites dedicated to fasting people in various areas and cities of the Emirate of Sharjah, during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Department of Islamic Affairs is responsible for issuing the necessary licenses for these sites, as well as for their organisation and coordination in cooperation with charitable organisations and benefactors. This is part of the framework of Ramadan initiatives, which aim to support the spirit of community solidarity. Iftar sites are strategically located for easy access, including near mosques and main squares in key areas of the emirate. There are 250 Iftar sites in the city of Sharjah, 71 in the Central Region, and 59 in the Eastern Region. This ensures that meals reach the largest possible number of people in need, the Department said. The Department further said that the selection of sites is based on population density and the actual needs of the beneficiaries. In addition, the Department, along with the relevant authorities in the emirate, is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment that ensures the delivery of meals according to the highest food safety standards. It is clear that preparing the Iftar sites includes the use of dedicated tools and containers to ensure the transportation of meals without compromising their quality and safety during the distribution process. This initiative is one in a series of Ramadan initiatives and programmes organised by the Department of Islamic Affairs in coordination with charitable institutions and benefactors. These initiatives aim to promote the values of giving and social solidarity during the holy month. They also aim to enhance the atmosphere of joy and love in society during the month of Ramadan. These initiatives reflect the emirate's pioneering role in promoting social solidarity and cooperation between different segments of society.
