Sharjah charity launches water network for 1,000 families in Tajikistan
The initiative is part of SCI's humanitarian efforts during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Khaled Hassan Al Ali, Director of Projects and External Aid at SCI, emphasised the organisation's focus on long-term, sustainable development. 'Our goal is to implement projects that make a lasting impact,' he said.
'The water network we're constructing in Tajikistan will be vital for these families, offering them stability and essential support. This project reflects the UAE's commitment to aiding vulnerable communities and advancing global development. It is part of our ongoing mission to ensure that people in drought-affected areas have reliable access to clean water.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
17 hours ago
- Al Etihad
The Jurisprudence of Coexistence
28 July 2025 04:37 Imam Mohammad Tawhidi*The modern world is shaped by a complex interplay of faith traditions, doctrinal schools, and ideological frameworks; as such, the jurisprudence of coexistence between peoples emerges as a foundational pillar in achieving societal stability and contributes meaningfully to the flourishing of civilisations. Diversity and human difference are not incidental outcomes but are among the enduring divine laws governing creation. The need for a jurisprudential framework that reorganises the relationship between human beings on the basis of justice, dignity, and mutual respect becomes increasingly urgent. This is the very essence of the jurisprudence of coexistence, which stands as one of the highest expressions of Islamic Sharīʿa in its engagement with human plurality. It does not call for compromising principles or abandoning identity; rather, it is a field of knowledge unto itself; one that governs relations with others on religious, cultural, and civilisational grounds according to the higher objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al- Sharīʿa) and its authoritative rulings. Its purpose is to cultivate societal peace, prevent conflict, and contribute to the building of a shared human civilisation. God Almighty created people different in tongues, colours, and beliefs, and did not make them one religious community. This diversity is a permanent cosmic law. As the Qur'an states: 'Had your Lord willed, He could have made all mankind one community. But they will not cease to differ' (Surah Hud, 11:118).Coexistence is the civilisational response to this diversity, and extends beyond religious pluralism to encompass ethnic, cultural, doctrinal, and intellectual differences. Islam laid the groundwork for this inclusive vision from its inception, insisting that there is no compulsion in religion, legislating humane interaction with non-Muslims, and encouraging kindness and excellence toward them. Coexistence, in this sense, is not a passive condition of endurance or tolerance; it is an active behaviour and ethical orientation that produces an atmosphere of cooperation, solidarity, and shared pursuit of the common good. Islam's call for coexistence was not born out of weakness or temporary convenience but stems from its intrinsic principles that prioritise the preservation of life, intellect, religion, and human the most dangerous causes of conflict in some countries today is the lack of awareness about this jurisprudence and the deviation of religious or political discourse toward exclusion and arrogance. Such deviations generate environments saturated with hatred and hostility. By contrast, grounding societies in the jurisprudence of coexistence contributes to building stable communities that respect diversity and invest in it as a resource for development and Principles of the Jurisprudence of Coexistence:1. Religious and Intellectual FreedomFreedom of belief lies at the heart of the jurisprudence of coexistence. It is the cornerstone upon which all other elements of coexistence rest. God Almighty granted human beings the freedom of choice and affirmed this in His Book: 'There is no compulsion in religion' (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:256). This verse stands as a fundamental basis for respecting religious and intellectual convictions so long as these convictions do not become tools of aggression or corruption. Sharīʿa safeguards the invitation to guidance through explanation, not coercion or humiliation. It upholds the principle that belief must arise from conviction, not imposition.2. Justice for AllJustice in Islam is an absolute value, not conditional upon one's religion, colour, or nationality. It is a divine command that transcends communal boundaries. The Holy Qurʾān states: 'Let not the hatred of a people cause you to act unjustly. Be just; that is nearer to piety' (Surah al-Ma'idah, 5:8). Justice, in the framework of coexistence, requires that every person be treated according to their inherent dignity and rights; not based on allegiance or personal preference. In the Sharīʿa, justice is the balance that sustains the world, and it is due to all without exception.3. Respect for Human DignityRespect for human dignity is a foundational tenet of Islamic law and is not limited to Muslims alone. God states: 'Indeed, We have honoured the children of Adam' (Surah al-Isra', 17:70), a declaration that affirms the inviolable dignity of every human being regardless of faith. This universal honour imposes on society a duty to protect human life, belief systems, property, and to prohibit any violation or degradation under the guise of religion, ethnicity, or ideology. The protection of human dignity is an obligation that extends across all of society's institutions.4. Human ToleranceTolerance does not imply erasing identities or remaining silent in the face of falsehood. Rather, it entails bearing the existence of the other, accepting their right to be, and interacting with them in a manner characterised by civility and moral integrity. Disagreement, under this principle, must never become a pretext for hostility. True tolerance generates cohesive communities, built upon mutual respect, where collaboration toward the common good is possible without eroding distinctive cultural or doctrinal identities. This form of human tolerance is deeply rooted in the Prophetic tradition and the ethics of Islamic principles are not merely theoretical aspirations. They are historically lived realities that have been actualised by various peoples under Islamic governance grounded in the jurisprudence of coexistence. A prominent contemporary example is the United Arab Emirates, whose visionary leadership has established an atmosphere of peace and allowed adherents of various religions to practice their rituals and live in safety and reassurance; emulating the legacy of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), the Prophet of mercy. Observers frequently praise the policies of the UAE as a vibrant model of coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, built on mutual respect and legal protections that prioritise citizenship without dissolving religious or cultural the broader civilisational context, coexistence is a prerequisite for the emergence of cities, the development of the sciences, and the exchange of knowledge. Civilisations do not thrive in isolation or closed environments but grow when they interact with others and exchange ideas and experiences. History bears witness that Islamic civilisation reached its peak when it welcomed scholars from diverse backgrounds and produced intellectual schools that advanced both religious and worldly sciences. Coexistence, in this comprehensive sense, is more than a moral value; it is a necessary condition for social peace and a driver of civilisational progress. In its absence, hatred arises, societies fragment, and the machinery of construction and advancement grinds to a jurisprudence of coexistence, therefore, is a realistic appeal for the establishment of stable societies based on respect, pluralism, and justice. It is the jurisprudence of the future, because the future cannot be built on exclusion, but on recognition; not on hegemony, but on partnership; not on violence, but on peace. In the enduring words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, May Allah bless his soul: 'To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.' *The writer is a Parliamentary Advisor and Research Partner with the think-tank TRENDS Research and Advisory
Middle East Eye
4 days ago
- Middle East Eye
Egypt presidency forced Al-Azhar to delete statement condemning Israel's starvation of Gaza
Egypt's presidency pressured Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the world's foremost Islamic institution, to withdraw a statement condemning Israel's "genocidal starvation" of Gaza, sources told Middle East Eye. The Cairo-based Al-Azhar said on Wednesday that it had deleted a strongly worded call to action over the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, citing its potential impact on ceasefire negotiations. In a statement, the institution said it "took the initiative to withdraw its statement with courage and responsibility before God when it realised that this statement could impact the ongoing negotiations regarding a humanitarian truce in Gaza to save innocent lives". "Al-Azhar has prioritised the interests of preventing the daily bloodshed in Gaza, hoping that the negotiations will lead to an immediate halt to the bloodshed and provide the most basic necessities of life, of which the oppressed Palestinian people have been deprived," the statement said. But two sources close to Al-Azhar and the Egyptian presidency confirmed to Middle East Eye that the statement was removed shortly after it was published on Tuesday following a request from President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi's office. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the press. The reason for the withdrawal was that the statement referred to the complicy of third states in what Al-Azhar described as "fully fledged genocide" in Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) greets the grand imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, on the first day of the Eid al-Adha holiday on 24 September 2015 in Cairo (AFP)
Middle East Eye
4 days ago
- Middle East Eye
Exclusive: Egypt presidency forced Al-Azhar to delete statement condemning Israel's starvation of Gaza
Egypt's presidency pressured Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the world's foremost Islamic institution, to withdraw a statement condemning Israel's "genocidal starvation" of Gaza, sources told Middle East Eye. The Cairo-based Al-Azhar said on Wednesday that it had deleted a strongly worded call to action over the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, citing its potential impact on ceasefire negotiations. In a statement, the institution said it "took the initiative to withdraw its statement with courage and responsibility before God when it realised that this statement could impact the ongoing negotiations regarding a humanitarian truce in Gaza to save innocent lives". "Al-Azhar has prioritised the interests of preventing the daily bloodshed in Gaza, hoping that the negotiations will lead to an immediate halt to the bloodshed and provide the most basic necessities of life, of which the oppressed Palestinian people have been deprived," the statement said. But two sources close to Al-Azhar and the Egyptian presidency confirmed to Middle East Eye that the statement was removed shortly after it was published on Tuesday following a request from President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi's office. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the press. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The reason for the withdrawal was that the statement referred to the complicy of third states in what Al-Azhar described as "fully fledged genocide" in Gaza. 'Anyone who supplies this entity with weapons, or who emboldens it through complicit resolutions or hypocritical words, is a partner in this act of genocide' - Deleted Al-Azhar statement "Al-Azhar strongly affirms that the deliberate and lethal starvation imposed by this abhorrent occupation upon the peaceful people of Gaza, people desperately seeking mere crumbs of bread or a cup of water, while simultaneously targeting shelters for displaced persons and humanitarian aid distribution centres with live ammunition, constitutes a fully fledged crime of genocide," the deleted statement read. "Moreover, anyone who supplies this entity with weapons, or who emboldens it through complicit resolutions or hypocritical words, is a partner in this act of genocide. "They shall be held to account by the Just Judge, the Almighty Avenger, on the Day when neither wealth nor children shall be of benefit. "Al-Azhar declares before God its absolute disavowal of the world's shameful and suspicious silence, of the international community's disgraceful failure to stand by this defenceless people, and of any call for the displacement of the people of Gaza from their land," the statement added. Egypt is a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, and the government has often tried to tamp down frustrations within the country over its role in what critics describe as maintaining the siege on Gaza, given it shares the Rafah crossing with the enclave. Children will die quickly amid 'genocidal starvation' in Gaza, warns top famine expert Read More » Al-Azhar has rarely issued statements on Israel, and has been particularly measured since Israel launched its onslaught on the enclave. Ali al-Qaradaghi, the head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, denounced the deletion of the statement as unjustified. "Why are voices being silenced?" he wrote on X. "The deletion of Al-Azhar's statement, which cried out to consciences to save Gaza, is an unjustified act ... and a desperate attempt to suppress the voice of human and religious conscience in a time of silence and complicity." The move comes as activists in the Netherlands chained shut the gates of the Egyptian embassy in protest at the country's closure of its border with Gaza. Egyptian activist Anas Habib filmed himself going to the embassy building in The Hague on Monday, denouncing the "vile, treacherous regime" of Sisi. Israel's siege on Gaza since 2 March has blocked the entry of humanitarian supplies by the UN and its partner organisations to the enclave, bringing the 2.1 million population to the brink of famine. At least 115 Palestinians, including 80 children, have died of starvation since March, including 15 who died of malnutrition on Monday, according to the Palestinian health ministry. What did the statement say? Below is the full text of the deleted Al-Azhar statement, as obtained and translated by MEE: "Al-Azhar raises its sorrowful cry and its anguished global appeal, calling upon all people of conscience, those free, wise, honourable individuals across the world who still feel the sting of a troubled conscience, who believe in the sanctity of human responsibility and in the rights of the oppressed and the powerless to equality with their fellow human beings, to a life of safety and dignity. Al-Azhar urges them to act swiftly and decisively to save the people of Gaza from the deadly famine being inflicted upon them by the occupation with a brutality, force, and indifference unprecedented in recorded history, one which, we fear, will remain unmatched in the days to come. "Al-Azhar declares that the human conscience today stands at a critical juncture, as it bears witness to thousands of children and innocent civilians being killed in cold blood. Those who escape death by violence are dying from hunger, thirst, dehydration, the exhaustion of medical supplies, and the collapse of medical centres that can no longer rescue them from certain death. "Al-Azhar strongly affirms that the deliberate and lethal starvation imposed by this abhorrent occupation upon the peaceful people of Gaza, people desperately seeking mere crumbs of bread or a cup of water, while simultaneously targeting shelters for displaced persons and humanitarian aid distribution centres with live ammunition, constitutes a fully fledged crime of genocide. Moreover, anyone who supplies this entity with weapons, or who emboldens it through complicit resolutions or hypocritical words, is a partner in this act of genocide. They shall be held to account by the Just Judge, the Almighty Avenger, on the Day when neither wealth nor children shall be of benefit. Let those who support such actions remember well the timeless wisdom: 'We were devoured the day the white bull was devoured.' "And as Al-Azhar grapples with its sorrow and pain, it issues a heartfelt plea to all influential and powerful actors to do all that lies within their capacity to halt this brutal entity, to force it to cease its systematic killings, to ensure the immediate entry of humanitarian and relief aid, and to open all possible routes for the treatment of the sick and wounded, whose conditions have worsened due to the occupation's relentless targeting of hospitals and medical facilities, in flagrant violation of all divine laws and international conventions. "In this regard, Al-Azhar declares before God its absolute disavowal of the world's shameful and suspicious silence, of the international community's disgraceful failure to stand by this defenceless people, and of any call for the displacement of the people of Gaza from their land. Al-Azhar also disavows all those who endorse or respond to such calls, holding every supporter of this aggression fully accountable for the blood that is being shed, the souls that are being taken, and the stomachs that are writhing in hunger in wounded Gaza. 'The evildoers will find out what they will return to' [Qur'an, 26:227]. "Furthermore, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif calls upon every Muslim to persist in supplication for the triumph of the oppressed, invoking the prophetic prayer through which our Prophet sought protection: 'O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Mover of the clouds, Defeater of the confederates, defeat them and grant us victory over them.'
