Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has announced its programs and activities for the blessed month of Ramadan during a press conference held on Monday at Imam Muhammad ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs HE Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani presented the programs and events planned for this holy month under the theme "Obedience and Forgiveness." He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to offering a series of meaningful initiatives designed to enhance the spiritual and charitable atmosphere during Ramadan.
He revealed that preparations have begun to ready mosques for the arrival of worshippers and those observing I'tikaf, including maintenance work and necessary facilities to ensure comfort. Additionally, a special program to train imams, particularly Qatari ones, to lead Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers during the blessed month has been launched.
The Ministry will continue organizing Iftar meals for fasting individuals across various regions in the country, facilitated by the General Endowments Department and supported by donors. Alongside, extensive religious programs will be offered, including lectures and lessons in Arabic, English, and other languages, to reach a broad spectrum of the community.
In line with its cultural initiatives, His Excellency noted the organization of Quranic and Hadith competitions, as well as interactive contests aimed at enriching religious knowledge and fostering a spirit of competition among participants.
His Excellency pointed out that the Ministry also seeks to support low-income families through a variety of charitable programs managed by the Zakat Affairs Department and the General Endowments Department, including the "Gift Basket" initiative in collaboration with the "Hifz Alnaema" project, which provides essential supplies to beneficiaries throughout Ramadan. He highlighted the Ministry's efforts to strengthen partnerships with community organizations to deliver exceptional services during the holy month, in line with the slogan "Endowment is Community Partnership."
He further explained that the Ministry has prepared a range of media programs in cooperation with Qatar TV and various other media platforms to ensure that educational and religious messages reach a wide audience.
Concluding his remarks, HE Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani reaffirmed the Ministry's goal of fostering solidarity and charity among all segments of society and promoting the values of Islam, urging everyone to take part in these programs and contribute to spreading goodness during the blessed month.
Director of the Zakat Affairs Department and Head of the Ramadan Events Organizing Team at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mallah Abdulrahman Al Jaber, outlined three major zakat campaigns planned for Ramadan.
The first campaign, titled "Guide Us to the Needy," aims to fulfill the zakat payers religious duty by ensuring that donations are directed to rightful recipients, verified through social field research. He noted that the campaign has received significant community engagement in the past two days, and it is part of the Ministry's efforts to alleviate the suffering of the poor and respond quickly to their needs while ensuring compliance with religious criteria in verifying eligibility.
The second campaign, "Your Zakat Enriches Them," seeks to encourage zakat payers to contribute through the Zakat Affairs Department or licensed charity organizations such as Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent Society. The Ministry intends to highlight the obligation of zakat as a pillar of Islam and stresses the importance of cooperation across all sectors, particularly the media.
Al Jaber further revealed that the Ministry aims to collect QR 170 million in zakat revenue through the Zakat Affairs Department.
He also discussed the third and final zakat campaign, which involves the distribution of Zakat Al Fitr. The Ministry is coordinating with one of Qatars largest delivery companies to ensure that Zakat Al Fitr reaches eligible recipients, in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He pointed out that the Zakat Affairs Department has compiled a list of 3,000 families with their national addresses, residence details, and contact information to ensure they receive the necessary care as they qualify for zakat, based on an in-depth evaluation of their living conditions.
Al Jaber concluded by announcing multiple collection points for Zakat Al Fitr, both through the online platform and physical locations throughout the country. There will also be coordination with mosque management to enable payments for Zakat Al Fitr before Ramadan or in the last ten days of the month.
Head of the Islamic Competitions Department at the Islamic Research and Studies Department, Dr. Fayez Al Shammari, stated that the department, like other departments within the Ministry, has both seasonal and annual activities, which vary from year to year and season to season.
Al Shammari explained that among the key activities conducted by the Department of Islamic Research and Studies are the publication of academic papers and university theses, as well as the "Book of the Nation." Additionally, organizing Islamic competitions is one of the department's core responsibilities. Currently, it supervises four annual research awards.
He outlined the first of these competitions as the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah International Award, which has successfully become both a local and international initiative, with a rigorous judging process. The second is the "Outstanding Researcher" competition, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, through the Department of Islamic Research and Studies, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
Al Shammari also highlighted a seasonal competition, the Ramadan competition, which has undergone significant development. The competition has moved from a paper-based format to an electronic one, using QR codes that participants can scan through the Ministrys website or official newspapers. After completing their answers, participants submit them electronically, and the responses are immediately sorted on the same day. Winners receive their prizes on the same day as well.
In turn, Director of the Mosque Affairs Department at the Ministry, Dr. Sulaiman Jumaan Al Qahtani, confirmed that the department has completed its preparations to welcome Ramadan, ensuring a season rich in worship. This preparation reflects the Ministrys commitment to caring for the mosques and facilitating worship for the community.
He reviewed the key preparations for Ramadan, including the readiness of 2,385 mosques. The department constantly monitors the needs of these mosques -- technical, human, and religious -- and works to address them in coordination with relevant departments.
He mentioned that a meeting was held with nearly 2,500 imams and muezzins to remind them of the significance and virtues of the holy month. This was part of the "Recitation and Empowerment" program, which aims to ensure thorough review and memorization of the Quran. The program also emphasizes the importance of activating mosques through lessons, with around 12,000 religious lessons held monthly.
Additionally, over 200 mosques have been designated to host individuals performing Itikaf, with considerations for geographic distribution and designated areas for rest and meals. The list of these mosques will soon be available on the Ministrys website. Coordination with the Engineering Affairs Department is also underway to equip over 730 prayer spaces.
For the third consecutive year, the Ministry will launch the "Rushd" project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. This project aims to recruit students with strong voices to lead the Isha prayer call during Ramadan. Additionally, the Ministry is launching a collaborative initiative with Quran memorization center graduates to lead Taraweeh prayers and contribute to enriching Ramadan nights with diverse voices, thus providing an opportunity for youth to gain experience for potential future roles in mosque management.
Al Qahtani also mentioned that over 40 mosques have been designated to host the Qurans completion during Taraweeh prayers throughout Ramadan, ensuring geographic distribution to serve the needs of the community.
Meanwhile, Director of the Religious Guidance and Call Department at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Jassim Abdullah Al Ali, said the department plans to implement 950 field activities during Ramadan, including seminars, lectures, competitions, educational and family projects, and various religious programs targeting all segments of society.
He pointed out that 62 students from Quran memorization centers will participate in leading prayers in mosques across the country. He added that the "Ramadan Oasis" website will be updated and new programs will be launched on the "Islamweb" website. Furthermore, the department will also launch an Islamic encyclopedia in sign language, containing the most comprehensive Islamic educational content designed for people with hearing impairments.
He also mentioned that the Ministry will organize the 11th edition of the Ramadan Dialogue Program, featuring a distinguished group of scholars and intellectuals from the Islamic world.
Director of the Endowment Funds Department at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Jassim Buhaza, announced that the General Endowments Department has planned 11 events starting before Ramadan and continuing until Eid Al Fitr.
He highlighted that during Ramadan, the Ministry will announce support for those in need, including patients at the Heart Hospital, individuals with diabetes, and those on the autism spectrum. Additionally, details of support for the educational and cultural program "Every Spring a Flower" will be shared. The ministry will also launch the Katara Quran Award and the Katara Poet of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Award.
Regarding the events of the holy month, Buhaza confirmed that Iftar tents and tables will be set up in various locations, while food baskets will be distributed to needy families and the "Gift Basket" will be provided to imams and muezzins. The second week of Ramadan will see the participation in the Gulf Endowment Week, aiming to raise awareness about the significance of endowments. Furthermore, a ceremony will be held to honor university scholarship students in collaboration with the "Education Above All" Foundation.
In terms of media outreach, Buhaza mentioned that several religious programs will be sponsored on Qatar TV, Al Rayyan TV, Qatar Radio, and Quran Radio. A daily educational page on endowments, a weekly page, and a daily competition in Al Sharq newspaper and on social media will run throughout the month.
On the investment front, the General Endowments Department will open four new endowment projects, including five residential villas and a commercial residential building, during Ramadan, all supported by benefactors and endowment contributors.
