Latest news with #IACAD
Time of India
7 hours 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
7 days ago
- 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
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
Khaleej Times
16-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Over 134,000 fatwas issued in first half of 2025
More than 134,000 fatwas were issued in Dubai during the first half of 2025, through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), as part of its mission to promote religious awareness and provide accessible, moderate Islamic guidance to the public. The fatwas were delivered through multiple platforms, including in-person consultations, online submissions, phone services, and live fatwa sessions in mosques and seminars. The initiative aligns with the UAE leadership's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Community." According to the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), the fatwas addressed a range of religious, social, and ethical matters and were issued by qualified scholars in line with Islamic principles. The department said the service is designed to address modern concerns using a balanced and scientifically grounded approach. Official data shows that the response rate to online fatwa requests reached 95.12 per cent in the first quarter and 89.13 per cent in the second quarter, reflecting the department's commitment to timely and accurate support. Dr Ahmed Al Haddad, Grand Mufti and Director of the Fatwa Department, said the fatwa is not simply a religious verdict but a form of educational outreach meant to provide reassurance and guidance. 'Our goal is to deliver clear and reliable rulings using straightforward language, reflecting the values of tolerance and moderation,' he said. 'We want to connect religion to daily life in a way that supports community cohesion and avoids division.' The service is available through various channels including the IACAD website, hotline and open community sessions. The department also hosts outreach initiatives to bring scholars closer to the public while ensuring privacy and trust. Dr Al Haddad said that public confidence in the service is key to its success. 'A fatwa is more than an answer, it's a bridge between faith and life,' he said.
Gulf Today
14-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Dubai Cares' 'Pack for Impact' helps needy children
Over 100 volunteers from GFH Financial Group, Dubai Cares, and partner organisations came together at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai recently for the 'Pack for Impact' initiative under Dubai Cares' Volunteer Emirates programme. During the event, participants assembled 2,000 school kits containing essential learning supplies, supporting children from low-income families across the UAE. Sponsored by GFH Financial Group, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to education, volunteerism, and meaningful community impact. About Dubai Cares: Since its inception in 2007, Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has been working towards providing children and youth in developing countries with access to quality education through the design and funding of programmes that aim to be impactful, sustainable and scalable. To date, the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation has successfully launched education programmes reaching over 116 million individuals in 60 developing countries. Dubai Cares plays a key role in helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all, and promote lifelong learning by 2030, by supporting programmes in early childhood development, access to quality primary and secondary education, technical and vocational education and training for youth as well as a particular focus on education in emergencies and protracted crises. Participants assembled 2,000 school kits containing essential learning supplies. Moreover, Dubai Cares adopts a strategic approach to improve student enrolment and learning outcomes through an integrated school health and nutrition model that is made up of school-based deworming activities, school feeding, and WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) in schools. Dubai Cares is a civil society organisation formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), as well as a registered non-government organisation under IACAD, the charitable activities regulator in Dubai. The UAE-based global philanthropic organisation is authorised to raise funds through direct donations and fundraising campaigns, as well as process all permit approvals with IACAD. To learn more, please visit About GFH Financial Group: GFH Financial Group, licensed as an Islamic wholesale bank by the Central Bank of Bahrain and headquartered at GFH House, P.O. Box 10006, Manama Sea Front, Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the most recognised financial groups in the Gulf region. Its businesses include Investment Management, Treasury & Proprietary Investments, Commercial Banking and Real Estate Development. The Group's operations are principally focused across the GCC, North Africa and India, along with strategic investments in the US, Europe and U.K. GFH is listed on four stock exchanges in the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) where it is one of the most liquid and actively traded stocks. For more information, please visit
