Non-Arabic Speaking Muslims, the Deaf to get 48 Mosques

The department, in collaboration with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, has also specified an expert for translating the Arabic sermon into sign language.

The Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah (DIAS) has set aside 48 mosques across the emirate for non-Arabic speaking Muslims, and to cater to the deaf community.

The announcement was made by Shaikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the DIA, as part of the Consultative Council session held on Thursday.

“The department, geared up to meet needs of all segments of society, has hired and dedicated 48 mosques to give the Friday sermon in Urdu, Malayalam, Pashto, Tamil, and English languages.”

The department, in collaboration with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, has also specified an expert for translating the Arabic sermon into sign language.

“Such a service, the first of its kind in the country, is being offered at Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal Mosque for the benefit of people with hearing impairments.”

Shaikh Saqr told members of the Sharjah Consultative council that the department was managing more than 1,000 mosques, of which 685 were part of the department’s properties.

“These are added to 430 private mosques for which the department picks a qualified Imam out of those nominated by the philanthropists who run the mosque.

“We have also been asked to manage 15 new mosques this year so far, whereas 64 are under construction.”

Shaikh Saqr explained that the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah is now hiring 698 Imams and muezzins (prayer callers), including three Emirati nationals.

Illustrating the preaching activities, Shaikh Saqr said the department had organised 1,431 public lectures this year so far, added to 572 specialised classes, and 48 scientific courses.

“Staff Imams and preachers have also presented 200 on-air TV and radio programmes for enlightening people and giving authentic answers to their queries,” he said.

Shaikh Saqr indicated that the department has issued four big volumes of fatwas (Shariah-based answers) to public questions. “

The department has created an account on Twitter, Facebook, and BlackBerry.

“We are posting audio clips ofstaff preachers so that people can easily learn and find answers to their queries anywhere and at any time.”