Sharjah Announces Ramadan Lineup for Awareness

Al-Sabousi, in exclusive statements to "Sharjah 24," highlighted that the department has inaugurated 20 new mosques as part of its plan to open 30 mosques by the conclusion of Ramadan, strategically located in various areas across the emirate. Inspection rounds conducted by maintenance teams and specialised committees in the department assessed the cleanliness of mosques and the prayer areas' requirements, including carpets. They also scrutinised cooling and lighting systems, sound systems, and undertook expansions for mosques witnessing high population density by adding tents adjacent to them, facilitating a spiritual atmosphere for fasting and praying individuals.

He underscored that the department has meticulously crafted the Ramadan programme to encompass all cities within the emirate, catering to diverse communities. This approach is in recognition of the profound significance of the blessed month of Ramadan in the hearts of Muslims. It aligns with the noble mission of the department to promote Islamic culture and religious awareness within the community. The department has devised ambitious plans to actualise the visions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who entrusted the department with crucial tasks in the community.

Sharjah Readers:

Al-Saubousi added that one of the Ramadan programmes is the "Sharjah Readers," organised in collaboration with "Sharjah Quran Radio." It features 30 readers taking turns leading Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers in 30 prominent mosques in the emirate, broadcast live through the department's social media platforms and the radio.

Suburb Readers:

As part of the "Suburb Readers" initiative, the department assigned 15 readers to take turns leading Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers in various suburban mosques, including Imam Al-Nasai Mosque in Muwaileh suburb, Al-Tarrahim Mosque in Al Rahmania suburb, Al-Aswa Al-Hasana Mosque in Al Siyoh suburb, Bilal bin Rabah Mosque in Waset suburb, and Al-Huda Mosque in Al Khaldiyah suburb.

Central Region Readers:
In the central region, the department allocated 30 readers to take turns leading Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers at Al-Zaid Mosque. In the eastern region, the department assigned 30 readers to take turns leading prayers in Tarawih and Tahajjud in several mosques.

UAE Readers:
The department also organises the "UAE Readers" event in collaboration with Sharjah Quran Radio, where 30 UAE readers collaborate to lead prayers in Muflehoun Mosque in Mawafajah area.

Quranic Readings:
The department designated Al-Kawthar Mosque in Budanq area for the ten readings, with specialised readers alternating in leading Tarawih prayers. The audience is provided with a simple explanation of the history of Quranic readings, the correct method of recitation, and clarification of the countries where these readings are widespread, highlighting the differences between them.

Quran Interpretation and Memorisation:
The department has shown great interest in the Quran by encouraging its memorisation and understanding its sciences. To promote Quranic reading, the department allocated 10 mosques in the emirate's suburbs for Quranic interpretation and 20 mosques for correcting recitation. The department continues to maintain strong communication and collaboration with the Sharjah Quran and Sunnah Foundation and the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, involving mosque imams affiliated with the department in organising memorisation sessions for various community members. The number of sessions in Sharjah mosques has reached 700, focusing on memorising the Quran, learning the rules of Tajweed, and efforts are ongoing to open more sessions in mosques.

Teachings and Lectures:

The department launched its Ramadan initiatives in the month of Sha'ban by arranging a series of educational courses and talks for the public and women across several mosques in the emirate. The objective was to enlighten them on the regulations of the sacred month and essential matters related to the jurisprudence of fasting.

As part of its Ramadan programmes, the department is set to conduct over 31,500 lessons throughout the emirate during the holy month. These include daily lessons post-Asr prayer focusing on the jurisprudence and etiquette of fasting. The material is based on the book titled "Al-Durar Al-Bahiyyah in Ramadan Lessons," published by the department. Additionally, the department organises 7,200 lessons on the interpretation of the Quran, explaining the meanings of its vocabulary and clarifying the rulings, subtleties, and guidance. These take place every Saturday and Sunday, utilising Zoom.

The department has also allocated specific mosques for non-Arabic speaking communities, where lessons and reflections are conducted during Ramadan in English, Urdu, and Malayalam. This is in line with the department's noble mission to provide knowledge and religious education to all segments of the community.

The Head of the Department of Islamic Affairs stated that, in line with its role in supervising charitable work in the emirate, the department has launched numerous religious awareness programmes and talks. These initiatives encourage people to engage in charitable activities, emphasising their immense rewards. The programmes also aim to raise awareness within the community about charity, Zakat, explaining Zakat regulations, the importance of solidarity among different segments of society, and the race to engage in charitable deeds for the great reward from the Almighty.

The department broadcasts daily reflections during Ramadan on its Instagram account before Iftar, titled "Ramadan Breezes," presented by Dr Salem Al-Doubi, the head of the Preaching and Fatwa Department at the department. In the evening, after Tarawih prayers, lectures titled "Quranic Guidance" are delivered by various preachers and mosque imams affiliated with the department. Additionally, the department organises lessons on correcting recitation for the public in an easy and accessible manner. The department also conducts awareness programmes for women.

The department disseminates various benefits, reflections, visual and textual content related to the holy month through WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter.

The department has launched a daily Ramadan competition on its Instagram account, aiming to educate the public by posing diverse religious questions suitable for all age groups.

Iftar Tents:

Given the social solidarity and the eagerness of benevolent individuals during the blessed month, the department coordinates with relevant authorities in the emirate to study and approve requests for setting up Iftar tents and locations. This includes evaluating compliance with all applicable conditions and standards. Applicants are urged to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the mosques where these tents are erected. The department issues approvals and permits for tents and locations not directly linked to mosques, overseeing the operations in these tents through its inspection teams. The department has issued approvals for 205 Iftar locations and tents, and this number is subject to increase due to the community's awareness of the significance of charitable acts, particularly providing food during Ramadan.

In conclusion, the head of the department extends heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and to his brothers, the members of the Supreme Council of the Union, the rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, and Deputy Rulers. He also extends greetings to the people of the United Arab Emirates and residents on the occasion of the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, the month of mercy and forgiveness. He prays for security and safety to prevail in the UAE, protecting it from all harm and evil.