As many as 2,385 mosques across the country are ready to host the prayers and worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani said preparations have begun to ready mosques for the arrival of worshippers and those observing I'tikaf, the Islamic practice of secluding oneself in a mosque during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan. Maintenance works are being carried out while necessary facilities are put in place to ensure comfort.
“Additionally, a special programme to train imams, particularly Qatari, to lead Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers during the blessed month has been launched,” Sheikh Dr Khalid said.
Director of the Mosque Affairs Department Dr Sulaiman Jumaan al-Qahtani said the department has completed its preparations to welcome Ramadan ensuring a season rich in worship. “This preparation reflects the ministry's commitment to caring for the mosques and facilitating worship for the community. The department constantly monitors the needs of these mosques,” he said, adding 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’ programme. It emphasises the importance of activating mosques through lessons with around 12,000 religious lessons held monthly.
More than 200 mosques have been designated to host individuals performing I’tikaf, with considerations for geographic distribution and designated areas for rest and meals. The list of these mosques will soon be available on the ministry's website. Co-ordination with the Engineering Affairs Department is also underway to set up over 730 prayer spaces.
Awqaf also plans the ‘Rushd’ programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. This aims to recruit students with strong voices to lead the Isha prayer call during Ramadan. Awqaf will collaborate with Qur’an Memorisation Centre graduates to lead Taraweeh prayers and contribute to enriching Ramadan nights with diverse voices. Al-Qahtani said 40 mosques have been designated to host the Qur’an completion during Taraweeh prayers throughout Ramadan.
