Latest news with #IslamicAffairsandCharitableActivitiesDepartmentinDubai
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Dubai launches project to modernize mosque lessons and unify preaching content
Using storytelling and live engagement, Dubai's IACAD ensures mosque lessons stay relevant in modern society, especially for kids and youth/ Image: WAM The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) has introduced a fresh initiative called 'Development of Mosque Lessons and Unification of Preaching Content' as part of its IACAD-X projects. This program is designed to improve the quality and consistency of religious lessons in mosques across Dubai, making them more relevant and engaging for today's diverse community. Bringing Structure and Modern Relevance to Mosque Lessons The main goal of this project is to enhance mosque lessons by standardizing their content within a modern preaching framework. This framework strikes a balance between maintaining religious authenticity and being adaptable enough to address the realities of contemporary society. It recognizes the important role mosques play in educating the community and aims to strengthen this role by providing structured, easy-to-understand religious messages. The curriculum is carefully organized around essential topics and core concepts that resonate with people's everyday lives. The content is also tailored for different age groups, with special attention given to children and youth. These lessons are delivered using interactive storytelling methods, making them more engaging. Notably, each lesson is designed to be concise and impactful, lasting no longer than five minutes to keep attention and maximize understanding. A Qualitative Leap Guided by Core Values Jasem Mohammed Al Khazraji, the project lead, explained that this initiative marks a significant improvement in how religious lessons are delivered. 'This initiative represents a qualitative leap in the methodology of delivering religious lessons,' he said. The program is built around six core values that are explored over two-month cycles. Each year, these values are refreshed through narratives drawn from the stories of the prophets, the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, and relevant Quranic verses. What sets this project apart is its heartfelt and relatable language, designed specifically for the new generation. Instead of a one-way lecture, lessons encourage live engagement with audiences, making the learning experience more interactive and meaningful. Serving the Whole Community with Three Main Tracks The project comprises three main educational tracks intended to meet the needs of all mosque visitors. Alongside these, there is a special recurring segment called 'Children and Families of the Neighbourhood.' This segment aims to strengthen the bond between families and the mosque, positioning the mosque as a central place for fostering positive values and upbringing within the community. Overall, this initiative is a forward-looking step in reshaping religious education in Dubai's mosques, ensuring that lessons are not only rooted in tradition but also resonate deeply with people's daily experiences and modern realities. About IACAD The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai, established by Law No. (2) of 2011, oversees Islamic affairs and charitable work in the emirate. It promotes Islamic knowledge, supervises religious content, and licenses charitable organizations, mosques, and Islamic institutions. IACAD also manages Hajj and Umrah affairs, organizes religious events, and raises awareness about Zakat and charity. Originating from the 1969 Department of Endowments, IACAD's role expanded through laws in 1994 and 2011 to cover charitable, Islamic, and mosque-related activities.
Gulf Today
23-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Over 57,000 benefit from ‘Islamic Affairs Dubai' initiatives
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) announced that its "Thimar Sadaqatikom" initiative supported more than 57,000 beneficiaries during the first half of 2025, with total aid exceeding Dhs26.4 million. In the health sector, the "Sareer Al-Khair" initiative extended vital support to 46 financially distressed patients by covering treatment costs and providing essential medical equipment, with expenditures surpassing Dhs6.3 million. In education, the "Kursi Al-Ilm" initiative enabled 174 students from low-income families to pursue their academic goals, with total support amounting to Dhs1.88 million. The "Tafreej Kurba" initiative gave a new lease on life to 54 indebted inmates, facilitating their release and supporting the restoration of family stability, at a total cost of Dhs5.8 million. To address housing needs, Dhs1.25 million was allocated to assist Emirati families in securing safe and adequate living conditions. Beyond these key areas, IACAD implemented a wide range of charitable initiatives, including support for People of Determination, food distribution, Hajj sponsorships, mosque construction, and funding for humanitarian and training programmes. These additional efforts benefited 56,989 individuals, with a total value exceeding Dhs11.2 million. Commenting on the outcomes, Mohammed Musabbah Dhahi, Executive Director of the Charitable Work Sector at IACAD, said the achievements demonstrate the public's growing trust in the initiative as a transparent and dependable platform for channelling charitable contributions to those most in need. WAM
Al Etihad
22-07-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Under the patronage of Mohammed bin Rashid .. the Award elevates its global status serving the Holy Quran
22 July 2025 13:02 Dubai (Aletihad)The Dubai International Holy Quran Award, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has witnessed a significant leap in the number of registered Quran memorizers for its 28th edition in 2026, reinforcing one of the key objectives of its new developmental vision "In search of the most beautiful Quran recitation". With the registration period concluding today, the award received 5,618 applications from 105 countries across various continents, with 30% of applications submitted under the female category. Global Interest Reinforces the Award's StandingHis Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, reiterated that this overwhelming interest from male and female Quran memorizers reflects the exceptional success of the developmental vision initiated by the patron of the award, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This vision aims to broaden international participation and affirms Dubai's leading role in serving the Holy Quran and establishing itself as a global hub for honoring memorizers and scholars and institutions that serve the Holy added that this record-breaking participation is a result of the qualitative enhancements introduced in the 28th edition, most notably the introduction of a dedicated category for female participants for the first time, allowing direct personal nomination in addition to the traditional nominations by a participant's country or by a recognized Islamic prize money was also increased, bringing the total value of the award's prizes to over Dh12 million, with the first-place winner in both the male and female categories receiving $1 Excellency also emphasized that the award has firmly established itself as the largest and most prestigious award honoring Quran memorizers, thanks to the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He noted that this edition marks a new turning point in the award's history, further elevating its status and enhancing Dubai's global contributions to serving the Holy Quran, encouraging its memorization, and spreading its noble values and teachings. Wide International Participation Ibrahim Jasem Al Mansouri, Acting Director of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, stated that the 28th edition received applications from across the globe, including Arab and Islamic countries as well as Muslim communities in various non-Muslim countries. Egypt topped the list with 1,410 applications, followed by Pakistan (571), Indonesia (505), India (391), Morocco (248), Syria (211), Bangladesh (211), Iraq (187), Nigeria (133), and Yemen (132). He added that significant numbers of applications were received from Quran memorizers in the United States, Canada, Russia, and European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Applications were also submitted from many other countries across Asia and Africa, in addition to New Mansouri pointed out that this level of global interest aligns with the goals of the award's new developmental vision, through which Dubai aims to expand its influential role in serving the Holy Quran, promoting its memorization, encouraging excellence in recitation and understanding of its sciences, and instilling its values and teachings among the younger generation. He stressed that this growing international interest motivates the award to accelerate efforts and develop more initiatives, programs, and tools to encourage a greater number of countries, institutions, and individuals to engage positively in Quran memorization and recitation, and deepen their connection to its sciences. Preliminary Evaluation Stage UnderwayThe Dubai International Holy Quran Award received 5,816 applications during the registration period, which ran from May 21 to July 20. Of these, 30% were submitted under the female category. All eligible applications have entered the preliminary evaluation stage, which began early July and will continue until the end of the applicants from the preliminary round will move to the second stage, which will involve direct video calls between the memorizers and the evaluation committee. This phase will run from September 1 to 30. Finalists will then advance to the final evaluation round, which will take place in person in Dubai during the second week of Ramadan. A Developmental Vision with Groundbreaking AdditionsThe Dubai International Holy Quran Award had previously announced a new developmental vision for its 28th edition (1447H – 2026), aimed at making the award more distinguished and impactful. This reaffirms Dubai's leading role in serving the Holy Quran and strengthens its position as a global center for honoring Quran memorizers from around the world. The new edition includes significant additions that build on the award's legacy of 28 years. The total value of the award's prizes has been raised to over Dh12 million, with the first-place winner in both the male and female memorization categories receiving $1 million prize value for the Islamic Personality of the Year has also been increased to $1 million. Among the groundbreaking updates in this edition is the introduction of a dedicated category for female participants, bringing the total number of categories to three: Full Quran Memorization – Male, Full Quran Memorization – Female, and the Islamic Personality of the Year Award. Participants may now apply through direct personal nomination, via a recognized Islamic center, or through official bodies worldwide. The developmental vision also includes expanding the scope of international participation, modernizing nomination, evaluation, and judging procedures, and launching new initiatives to enhance the quality and performance of participants.
Gulf Today
20-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Dubai meeting discusses developing charitable work
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) held a meeting of the Advisory Council for the Development of Charitable Work in Dubai to discuss key challenges facing the charitable sector in the emirate. During the meeting, participants also reviewed available development opportunities and appropriate mechanisms to enhance performance efficiency and ensure the sustainability of charitable giving, through strengthened governance, transparency, and the adoption of best practices in the field of charitable and social work. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Department and Chairman of the Advisory Council, emphasised the importance of this coordination meeting, which falls within the Department's efforts to enhance integration and cooperation among various stakeholders in the charitable sector. He noted that the primary goal is to develop the charitable work system in Dubai and to meet the aspirations of the community and the challenges of the upcoming stage — solidifying the emirate's position as a leading hub for sustainable humanitarian work. He added: 'We believe that the development of charitable work can only be achieved through active partnership, unified efforts, and the exchange of expertise among all entities working in this field. This contributes to achieving the desired social impact and supports our wise leadership's vision of reinforcing the values of giving and solidarity.' Recently, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announced its contribution of Dhs1 million in support of the Fathers' Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Coinciding with Ramadan, the campaign aims to establish an endowment fund that provides sustainable healthcare for the poor and needy. The Fathers' Endowment campaign aims to promote the values of honouring parents, compassion, and solidarity. It also highlights the vital role of fathers in the UAE in fostering supportive family environments that promote the well-being of all. The campaign seeks to provide healthcare to those in need within underserved communities worldwide, contributing to a dignified life and reinforcing the UAE's leading role in regional and international charitable and humanitarian efforts. Under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the campaign aims to further establish the noble values within Emirati society, including generosity, giving, and global humanitarian solidarity, while also advancing the concept of charitable endowments. Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi, Director-General of IACAD, said the Department's contribution to the Fathers' Endowment campaign reflects its deep commitment to supporting community and humanitarian initiatives that foster solidarity and generosity. WAM
Gulf Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Record registrations for Dubai Holy Quran Award
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has announced that registration for its 28th international edition, set for 2026, has seen a record turnout within just three weeks of its launch. This follows the qualitative additions approved by the Award's Board of Trustees as part of its new development vision. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Award's Board of Trustees, revealed that the total number of applicants has exceeded 3,400 Quran memorisers from 85 countries worldwide — affirming the Award's strong reputation and the eagerness to participate. He noted that this figure, a significant increase compared to previous editions, reflects the Award's vision to expand global participation and broaden its activities and international reach. For the first time, the Award has opened participation to females through a dedicated category and has allowed direct individual nominations, alongside the usual nominations by the participant's country or an accredited Islamic centre. He affirmed that, by the grace of Allah Almighty and with the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award will continue to reinforce its status as the largest and most prestigious award honouring Quran memorisers. This reaffirms the pioneering role of Dubai in serving the Holy Book of Allah and strengthens its position as a global centre for celebrating Quran memorisers from around the world. Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansouri, Acting Director of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, stated that the Award will begin reviewing and approving submissions from Quran memorisers, after which the evaluation stages will begin. The first stage involves recording a three-minute video recitation from any part of the Holy Quran, with suitable quality and without sound effects. Initial evaluation will be based on tajweed rules and the quality of performance. In the second stage, remote testing will be conducted for those who qualify, with evaluation based on memorisation, tajweed, and performance. In the third stage, a group of top contestants who achieved the highest scores in the second stage will be hosted in person in Dubai for live testing. The first-place winner will be honoured at the closing ceremony, in both the male and female categories. He confirmed that the judging committee of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award is selected by the Award's Board of Trustees according to strict criteria to ensure fairness in evaluation and competition. The committee evaluates contestants based on defined standards and mechanisms for memorisation, tajweed and performance. The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has announced a new development vision for its 28th edition in the year (1447 AH – 2026 AD), aiming to make it more distinguished and impactful. This reaffirms Dubai's leading role in serving the Holy Quran and consolidates its position as a global centre for celebrating Quran memorisers from around the world. The new edition features qualitative additions that enhance the Award's journey, now in its 28th year. The total prize value for the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has been increased to more than Dhs12 million. The first-place winner in both the male and female categories will receive one million US dollars, and the prize for the Islamic Personality of the Year category has also been raised to one million US dollars. Among the key additions in this edition is the inclusion of a dedicated category for female Quran memorisers, raising the total number of award categories to three: full Quran memorisation for males, full Quran memorisation for females, and the Islamic Personality of the Year award. The new edition also permits participation through direct individual nomination, in addition to nominations via an accredited Islamic centre or official entities worldwide. The development vision further includes expanding international participation, updating nomination, judging, and evaluation mechanisms, and introducing other initiatives aimed at elevating the level of memorisation and performance among contestants. WAM
