Ramadan surge in questions for muftis

ABU DHABI // Up to 7,000 queries on Islamic law are expected each day in the run up to Ramadan, religious leaders said on Sunday.

In preparation, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments will provide additional training for muftis.

“With Ramadan approaching, the authority has organised training for all muftis in contemporary fatwas within fasting and related issues,” said Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, general manager of Awqaf.

Separate training relating to new and evolving fatwas has been organised for female muftis, whose numbers are set to triple from three to nine. The six women being trained will be the first Emirati female muftis in the country.

A large number of Awqaf-operated mosques will also open shortly before Ramadan.

Awqaf’s fatwa centre normally receives about 3,000 calls a day. Information on fatwas is also available 24 hours a day by sending a test message to 2535.

As part of their training, muftis have been tested on Quran recitations and memorisation skills.

“The authority has also prepared for them a book on lectures in mosques, as 16,000 are expected to be held on issues concerning acts of worship, dealership and the Prophet’s biography,” said Dr Al Kaabi.

About 800 religious lectures will be given by a group of international Muslim scholars, who will come to the UAE as guests of the President, Sheikh Khalifa.

Scholars and preachers will also make their presence known with 202 appearances on radio and 57 on television.

Public initiatives to be held by Awqaf, including some for people with special needs, include courses and contests at Quran memorisation centres. About 34,000 people are taking lessons in 62 centres, with 506 classes in mosques. Special contests will be available for prisoners.