DUBAI SUN MAGAZINE_YA

IACAD Sheikh
announces Nahyanbin
MubarakAl
AED36.818 Nahyan

million MinisterofTolerancespeech

contractforupcoming attheWorldTolerance
ZayedDialysisCentre
SummitinDubai
DubaiCalendar

Achievements

CONTENT

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan,
Minister of Tolerance speech at the World
Tolerance Summit in Dubai

HE Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani: The Media
Identity of the UAE will convey the
civilization image of the UAE and its
humanitarian message to the world

The Right of Difference - Causes and
Manners by Mohammed Al Mesiri

Decree No. (9) of 2015 Regulating The
Donations Raised in the Emirate of Dubai

Dubai Calendar Achievements

Mohammed bin Rashid Center for
Islamic Culture… Beacon of Knowledge,
Tolerance and Communication

“Meals of Hope” initiative distributes
30,000 meals to workers

2 DUBAI SUN

IACAD announces AED 36.818 million
contract for upcoming Zayed Dialysis
Centre

IACAD to launch Virtual Ifta Programme
before end of year

In excess of AED 19 million in charitable
contributions from IACAD during the
same period

Ahmed Al Muhairi, Executive Director
of Charitable Work Sector at IACAD
interview: Laying the Foundation Stone of
the Dialysis Center next month

Al Bayan interview with Dr. Ahmed Al
Haddad, Grand Mufti, and Director of
Fatwa Department, Islamic Affairs and
Charitable Activities Department, Dubai

IACAD hosted and organized the 24th
session of the International Islamic Fiqh
Academy Conference 2019 commences
in Dubai

DUBAI SUN 3

Sheikh Nahyan
bin Mubarak Al Nahyan,

4 DUBAI SUN

Sheikh Nahyan
bin Mubarak Al Nahyan,

Minister of Tolerance speech at the World
Tolerance Summit in Dubai:

This is tolerance in the United Arab Emirates – a concept that is nurtured and strengthened throughout our
entire country thanks to our wise and sincere leaders and to our peaceful and tolerant people who are keen
on achieving human, social and economic progress associated with tolerance and peace. The people of
the UAE have a strong bond with their leaders in a country where all institutions of society come together to
fight extremism and intolerance and to promote human values and principles that are shared by people
everywhere.

It is one of God’s blessings for people in the UAE that its leaders have always been wise and sincere, beginning
with the nation’s founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan. He was, along with the other founding
fathers, open to the world, dealing positively with all. Sheikh Zayed was totally committed to the values of
tolerance, peaceful coexistence and equality in front of the law. He was extremely proud of our Arabic-Islamic
heritage. The values and traditions associated with that proud heritage have enabled us to engage positively
with all diverse elements of our population. Sheikh Zayed was a role model for justice, compassion, knowing
the other, and courage in carrying out his responsibilities. We are blessed that our country’s commitments
to these values and principles have continued under the leadership of His Highness the President, Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, who is strongly supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, as well as by
all other leaders of the United Arab Emirates.

Welcome to this World Tolerance Summit which is honored that you are its patron, and welcome to all our
esteemed guests. I stand before you today, ladies and gentlemen, as the Minister of Tolerance in the United
Arab Emirates and as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Tolerance Institute, which
is one of the initiatives of Mohammed bin Rashid International. I stand before you as the embodiment of
my country’s commitment to tolerance as an essential component of society. I stand before you as living
evidence of our continuing belief that tolerance requires hard work by all. Tolerance thrives on education
and knowledge, all forms of communication, and the creation of local and global partnerships that enhance
hope in the future and promote peace, prosperity, and a dignified life for all.

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This World Tolerance Summit, Your Highness, is an important declaration that we, in the United Arab Emirates,
are eager to join with other countries and international organizations in support of tolerance, pluralism, and
peaceful and mutually beneficial relations among individuals, communities and groups inside and outside
the country. We are completely ready to share our positive experience and to gain from others a wider
understanding of the universal power of tolerance. This wonderful summit gives us that opportunity. It will
provide a prominent forum for positive and sincere dialogue among people of diverse cultures and beliefs
and will strengthen their ability to exchange ideas and experiences, to listen to one another, and to live
together in peace and harmony.

I hope that this World Tolerance Summit, inspired by our successful experience in the UAE, will be a place
where we can work together to develop our collective capacity to achieve tolerance and peace in the world.
I call on you, ladies and gentlemen, to work together to help promote the positive participation of all regions
in the world in the progress of humanity. I call on you to work together to eradicate misunderstandings about
different religions and cultures. I call on you in this summit to help make tolerance an area of entrepreneurship,
innovation and initiative and a cause for joint action and effective participation of all for the benefit and
prosperity of all. I call on you to agree with us that pluralism within diverse human societies must become a
positive and creative force for development and stability in those societies around the world.

The United Arab Emirates, thanks to your enlightened vision and that of our other exulted national leaders,
is a country known for its temperament, moderation, and sound ideas and behavior. It is a country that is
intelligently open to the entire world and enjoys good relations with all other countries of the world. The UAE is
now a global beacon for civilized behavior and a place for interaction and cooperation among world cultures.
The UAE is a wonderful model in the service of humanity. We are blessed by being a country able to innovate
and take useful initiatives in all fields. We are a country that provides a living environment characterized by
peace and harmony. This makes the United Arab Emirates an international leader in cultural cooperation and
a country totally qualified to become a prominent global center, focused on promoting all positive aspects
of the relationships between global cultures and civilizations in a way that can contribute to nurturing the
values of love, compassion and coexistence among nations and peoples.

This World Tolerance Summit, Your Highness, being held here in Dubai and in the United Arab Emirates and
under your gracious patronage, is a real embodiment of all those values and considerations.

It is now my honor and privilege to announce that the Ministry of Tolerance, in cooperation with the
International Institute of Tolerance, is totally committed to the title of this summit which focuses on prospering
from pluralism and embracing diversity through innovation and collaboration. I am honored to announce
that the Ministry of Tolerance is undertaking two important initiatives:

The First Initiative: Is the launch of the National Research Project on Tolerance. This is a continuing
project for the coming years and will promote creativity and innovation of researchers, inside the UAE and
throughout the world, in examining factors, conditions and work plans that help strengthening tolerance
among individuals, families, local communities and the entire world. This project will produce proposals and
plans for spreading tolerance, coexistence, and happiness in human societies.

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The Second Initiative: Is the establishment of the Global Tolerance Alliance for promoting tolerance
throughout the world. The Global Tolerance Alliance will be launched from the UAE and will become a global
coordinator for cooperation and joint effort among individuals, organizations, research centers, private
enterprises, and other interested institutions. The purpose is to help spread peace and tolerance in the world.
Through these two initiatives, Your Highness, the global dimension in the work of the Ministry of Tolerance
and the International Tolerance Institute will be affirmed. The initiatives will affirm as well, your vision, and
that of all our national leaders, that only successful pluralism, supported by useful research and positive
dialogue, can guarantee a peaceful future in the world.
I pray that this World Tolerance Summit will be a great success, and that it will become a true expression of
the strong commitment in the UAE, under its wise leaders, to promote the values of tolerance, coexistence,
and mutual respect among all for the benefit of all.

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HE Dr. Hamad
Al Shaibani:

8 DUBAI SUN

HE Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani:

The Media Identity of the UAE will convey
the civilization image of the UAE and its
humanitarian message to the world

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander
of the UAE Armed Forces, announced the launch of a national project. This project is to create and design a
logo reflecting the media identity of the UAE to embody the historical, cultural, humanitarian and economic
components of its people in order to inspire the world and shares its extraordinary experience as a country
with no borders.

His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable
Activities Department in Dubai expressed his admiration for this national innovative project:

One of the most important characteristics of the initiatives launched in the UAE the uniqueness. It has its own
fingerprint and is based on an executive and future vision.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of
Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy
Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have launched Media Identity of the UAE which is a national
pioneering initiative. This comes to prove that UAE always accept the positive change, and not affected by
negativity that prevent the desired development.

Through this initiative, we bring the experience of an inspiring success story to the whole world, to a country
that has managed in less than half a century to compete with the world’s largest and most advanced
countries.

By embracing more than 200 nationalities living in perfect harmony and peace, the UAE is a global model
of tolerance. UAE has always wanted to export this model by hosting the world’s largest religious symbols
and launching the “Human Brotherhood Document” from its territory, as well as its remarkable attitudes and
globally appreciated efforts to face the Extremism and terrorism in all its forms.

With the contribution of 49 Emirati artists and creators in the development of the visual media identity from
various local sectors in the UAE, it will have a positive impact in conveying the civilization image of the UAE
and its humanitarian message to the world.

DUBAI SUN 9

The Right of Difference - Causes Given the above and in light thereto, we
and Manners. hereby discuss the concept of the Right of
Difference and h ow it varies from the concept
Mohammed Al Mesiri of Divergence/Dispute, in addition to the types,
areas, reasons and ethics of Difference. It is an
The right of difference among people is a legitimate essential pillar of democracy, without which
right that they are entitled to practice within their dictatorship could prevail. Difference is also
social, cultural, and political environment. one of our life’s norms and requirements that
defeats despotism and eliminates all various
• It is a means of thinking and expressing to achieve manifestations of intolerance and violence.
self-realization. Difference is also the ideal way to achieve
reconciliation and reunification among us
• It is one of the norms and ways of life and its and to uplift our current societal situation.
demands.

• It is a pillar of democracy that eliminates tyranny
and intolerance.

• It is based on disparity in understanding the
aspects and background of any issue or subject.

• It is caused by the difference in understanding
aspects and backgrounds of certain topics.

• It lies in the blind emulation of others and prejudice

Ethics of difference among people yield in establishing
self-discipline, instilling ideals and competing with
others for good aims.

In light of the difficult circumstances we are currently
experiencing, the right of difference is one of the
important Islamic issues that we are facing and
suffering. It is a legitimate right for every member
of our society in his/her social, cultural, and political
environment, as well as for being a means of
thinking, an expression of self-realization through
acknowledging that right, listening, respecting
and discussing the opinion of the other. It is the
embodiment of the spirit of human brotherhood
and peaceful coexistence, establishing the values of
cooperation and stability among society members.

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The Concept of the Right of Regarding this, the Almighty Allah says,
Difference
“Had Allah
Difference, in its literal sense, implies distinction so willed,
and disparity, and, in combination with right, it He could
further signifies all manifestations of pluralism. have guided
Thus, technically, the right of difference means them all. So
individuals and groups’ mutual recognition do not be
and acceptance of each other’s differences. As one of those
far as people’s religious or worldly affairs are ignorant [of
concerned, the right of difference operates. It is this fact].”
in no way new or emerging, but rather a long-
standing entitlement that will continue to exist till (Qur’an 6: 35)
the Day of Judgment. Pointing out this fact, the
Almighty Allah says, “Had your Lord so willed, He DUBAI SUN 11
would have certainly made humanity one single
community [of believers], but they continue to
have their differences.” (Qur’an 11: 118).

Commenting on this verse, Prof. Mohamed Sayyed
Tantawi, the late Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, noted:
“[It means] O honorable Prophet who is so keen
to make his people accept the faith, [know that]
had your Lord willed to make all humans one
community following the true faith, nothing could
have stood against His will. However, Allah did
not will that so as to distinguish the wicked from
the good. People will always continue to have
different ideas, tendencies, goals and hopes,
except those whom Allah guides to the path of
truth. Those people will not differ regarding the
fundamentals of the pure faiths they know and
follow the truth.”

However, one must know that the divine wisdom
dictated that people are different from one
another, yet God’s All-Enfolding mercy will cover
them all as long as they differ for the sake of
reaching the truth.

Ikhtilāf (Diversity) vs.
khilāf (Divergence)

Both terms Ikhtilāf and khilaf are derived from the
same Arabic root Kh-l-f, from which many derivatives
are formed. Though the two verbs khālafa (diverge,
contradict, disobey, etc.) and ikhtalafa (differ,
vary, etc.) may be used interchangeably, insightful
scrutiny reveals that khālafa is mostly used to denote
intentional dissention, as in the case of disobeying
or rebelling against orders. A case in point is the
following verse where Allah says, “Those who go
against (yukhālifuān) his order should beware lest
may a trial afflict them or they receive a painful
punishment.” (Qur’an 24: 63). In the above verse,
Allah used the progressive form of base verb khālafa
instead of that of ikhtalafa to denote disobedience.
Elsewhere Allah used ikhtalafa to indicate having
different opinions and perceptions, saying, “We have
sent down the Scripture to you only to make clear
to them what they differ (ikhtalafū) about.” (Qur’an
16: 64) Here, the use of khālafa is avoided in favor of
ikhtalafa.
In another verse, Allah says,

“Then God by His grace showed those
who believed the way to the truth
about which they were differing
(ikhtalafū).”

(Qur’an 2: 213).

Thus, Allah described their disagreement as ikhtilāf (diverse attitudes) not khilāf (conflict).

12 DUBAI SUN

Drawing distinction between ikhtilāf and
khilaāf, Abu Al-Baqā’Al-Kafawi noted in his Al-
Kulliyāt that ikhtilāf is used in relation to cases
where the means are different but the end
is exact, while khilāf applies when both the
means and the end are at disparity. Ikhtilāf is
based on evidence, while khilāf is not. Ikhtilāf
is a manifestation of mercy, while khilāf is a
consequence of bid’ah (religious innovation).
If a judge gives a khilaāf- motivated verdict,
it may be revoked, unlike an ikhtilaāf-based
one. This is because khilā f is practiced in
an area not subject to ijtihād (independent
reasoning). Khilāf goes against the Qur’an,
Sunnah and consensus of opinions. Thus,
whereas khilaāf implies disputation, conflict
and real disagreement, Ikhtilāf, on the
other hand, has more to do with nominalist
disagreements. This is why, when reporting
different opinions, scholars use the term
ikhtilāf not khilāf.

DUBAI SUN 13

The Right of Difference is of two gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were
kinds” enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so
that by His Grace, ye became brethren”; (aal-
1. A commendable right of difference: based on e-imran 103), and also Allah said: “ Be not like
established facts leading to a broad knowledge, those who are divided amongst themselves
culture, and recognizing the freedom of expression. and fall into disputations after receiving Clear
Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty”(aal-
2. A reprehensible right of difference is based e-imran 105). These two verses are clearly
on unproven facts triggered by intolerance, indicating the necessity of commitment to
partisanship, sectarianism, and groundless and community and avoiding whatever stirs up
bigoted controversy. Furthermore, this disparity leads discord and division among the Muslims.
to division and segregation that leaves no room
for dissenters of opinions to share common points. Thus, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)
Moreover, these kinds of differences are manifested vehemently warned his nation of being
in the principles of religion, but not in its branches; in apart and informed them that disputes had
major issues, but not in minor ones. This difference destroyed the past nations, and that is the
draws people into deep conflict and segregation. reason the Hellfire punishment.
Therefore, Allah, the Almighty, has forbidden Muslims
to dispute and quarrel. There are many verses in this Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah
regard, Allah said: “And hold fast, all together, by (s.a.w) said: Allah’s Hand is over the Jama’ah,
the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be and whoever deviates, he deviates to the Fire.”
not divided among yourselves; and remember with Jami` at-Tirmidhi » Chapters On Al-Fitan (11) .

14 DUBAI SUN

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“He who separates from
the community within a
span takes off the noose
of Islam from his neck”.

Musnad Ahmed 5/180, Sunan Abi Dawud 299/2 (12).

Narrated AbuDharr: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “He who Reasons:
separates from the community within a span takes
off the noose of Islam from his neck”. Musnad Ahmed Several reasons are behind the right of
5/180, Sunan Abi Dawud 299/2 (12). difference; some are evident and explicit while
some others are hidden and implicit. Some
Therefore, some satellite channels host some of these reasons aim to reach full truth and
known figures, whose sole concern (similar to those establish proofs, what the scholars call debate
channels) is to provoke sectarian or doctrinal strifes or argument. However, some of the reasons
and impose falsified facts on the viewers to convince of differences harbour nothing but ill faith,
them with incorrect statements. It deprives those ostentation, bragging, and arrogance (14).
viewers their right to respond and to explain their
point of view and opinion about what the TV figures Various understanding of
said. This transmits misinformation, misleading the subject: -
accusations and false and poisonous lies* Fields:
Multiple fields; the most important are the following: The concept of the right of difference is
understood in a variety of ways. Such pattern
Political: Manifested in the intellect, sense of of divergence may be its easier pattern, yet it is
belonging, opinion and political practices. expected to lead to nothing since party simply
insists on the way they view that concept
Social: Manifested in skin color, religion, customs,
and traditions.

Economic: Manifested in wages, jobs and financial
capabilities.

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4

Imitating others without proof: -

This habit is the most dangerous of the reasons for
differences among people, because it leads them to
conflict and dispute, not to mention people’s tendency
to follow whims and spread hatred. That is why several
Quran verses blame the oblivious, ignorant and the
lost for their persistent and blind imitation of their
forefathers or superiors. In this regard, Allah Almighty,
the Exalted and Glorious, said, “And when it is said to
them, “Follow what Allah has revealed,” they say, “We
will follow what we found our ancestors following.”
Even if their ancestors understood nothing, and were
not guided?” (Qur’an 02:170) (15). Commenting on
this verse, Prof. Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi, the late
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, noted: “[It means] if it is said
to those who preferred misguidance to the right way
and temptation to wisdom, to follow the advice, they
would respond with foolishness and stubbornness
that they would follow what their forefathers in
worshipping the idols. To those, Qur’an responds
saying: “Even if their ancestors understood nothing,
and were not guided?” (Qur’an 02:170) (16).

To those, Qur’an responds saying:

“Even if their
ancestors
understood
nothing,
and were
not guided?”

(Qur’an 02:170) (16).

16 DUBAI SUN

Intolerance: -

Intolerance of other people’s opinions, in
order to achieve personal benefits, results in
stubbornness and ingratitude (17). Intolerance to
the views of certain persons or to particular sects,
parties or groups yields in establishing division
and weakness in the hearts of others, which often
leads to conflicts among people. (18)

In this regard, the Qur’an shows us in several
verses that some polytheists knew that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him) was extremely honest in delivering the
message of Allah. However, intolerance and
hatred blinded them and their followers and
motivated them to disobey him out of mere
aggression and tyranny. For them, Allah says:
“We know that what they say grieves you. It is
not you they reject, but it is Allah’s revelations
that the wicked deny.” (Qur’an 06:33). Imam Ibn
Katheer commented on this verse, saying: “[It
means] that we know how your folk denied
you. They do not accuse you of lying, but they
are stubborn in refusing the truth. Abū Jahl
told the Prophet, peace be upon him, “We do
not say that you are a liar, Muhammad, but we
deny the message you try to deliver,”.

Ethics: Islam established several rules for the
right of difference among people, urging us to
adopt such behaviours to avoid disagreeing
with each other. Islam also advised people
to find reasons to develop and support each
other. Key ethics include:

Honesty: Sticking to honesty in what we say
is to adopt the truth, justice and morality.
The liars, ignorant, fools, and selfish are the
persons who argue with others using falsities,
insist without any concrete logical proof and
base their argument through lying, cheating,
deception, vanity and falsehood (20).

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5

Objectivity: Objectivity is the basis for settling differences and disputes
among people to clarify the truth and reach the desired result that
satisfies everyone. It means sticking to the topic subject of dispute
or conflict. However, we see a lot of people, in discussing with others
regarding any problem, deliberately manoeuvring and manipulating,
so that their differences with others would blur and distort. It also
means that self-motives, emotions, interests and intellectual or social
prejudices would prevail over the real, natural or factual points of the
matter subject of dispute (21). The Qur’an includes many examples of
the differences that took place between the Messengers, peace be upon
them, and their people. We see how they used to respond to their folks
by adhering to the issue of conflict. In telling the story if Noah, Qur’an
says: “The dignitaries among his people said, “We see that you are in
obvious error”, to which Noah responded, saying: “He said, “O my people,
I am not in error, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the Worlds. I
deliver to you the messages of my Lord, and I advise you, and I know
from Allah what you do not know.” (Qur’an 07:60-62)

Qur’an says:

“The dignitaries among his people
said, “We see that you are in obvious
error”, to which Noah responded,
saying: “He said, “O my people, I am
not in error, but I am a messenger
from the Lord of the Worlds. I deliver
to you the messages of my Lord, and
I advise you, and I know from Allah
what you do not know.”

(Qur’an 07:60-62)

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That is why Allah Almighty, the Lord of Wisdom, says in Qur’an:

“Produce your proof, if you are
truthful.”

(27:164) (24) and

“Do you have any knowledge
that you can produce for us?”

(06:148)

Establishing argument with sound Modesty and commitment
proof: - thereto:

Establishing argument with sound proof and actual The essence of modesty is good manners,
logic with those with different opinion is the right which impart to the modest person sublimity,
way to teach a conceited, stubborn and arrogant loftiness and eminence, in addition to the love
person a lesson, so that they would not be able to and appreciation of the others.
continue to argue. That is why Allah Almighty, the
Lord of Wisdom, says in Qur’an: “Produce your proof, if Allah elevates those who are humble to Him
you are truthful.” (27:164) (24) and “Do you have any and humiliate those who are haughty to
knowledge that you can produce for us?” (06:148) Him. On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may
Hence, people of insight and wisdom are those who Allah be pleased with him), who said that the
recognize the truth through evidence to the validity Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
of the matter, while those who are blind are unable Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said: Pride is
to acknowledge the truth and insist on their falseness my cloak and greatness My robe, and he who
as they treasure ill intentions, not to mention their competes with Me in respect of either of them
closed minds and ideas. I shall cast into Hell-fire. It was related by Abu
Dawud (also by Ibn Majah and Ahmad) with
sound chains of authority. This Hadith also
appears in Muslim in another version. (26)
Adherence to humility is necessary to organize
conversations and debates among people to
avoid vanity and treat them with politeness, so
as to reach the truth. Argument and debate,
which are not based on modesty and are built
on bragging with futile statements, do not
benefit anyone and cause disunity, quarrel
and feebleness, weakening the strength and
unity of society.

DUBAI SUN 19

6

Mutual respect among parties: Hence, Qur’an praised those who speak good words
and truthfulness:
Respect increases the pillars of communication and
fraternity among people, in addition to instilling the “Theywereguided
values of cooperation, purity, and serenity in their core. topurityofspeech.
About this, Prophet Muhammad said: “People are like They were guided
gold and silver; those who were best in Jahiliyyah to the path of the
(Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance) are best in Islam, Most Praised”
if they have religious understanding” (Bukhari) (27)
Thus, every human being should treasure those (22:24
ethics, even when others disagree with him, since
such disagreements stem from insightful persons
with good faith, who aim only to reach the truth that
is good for all individuals and groups.”

Specifying the subject of
conversation:

Specifying the subject of conversation among the
disagreeing parties is an essential and significant
issue to avoid blurred judgments and statements
and to establish matters based on honesty. Thus,
people of piety, chastity, and integrity should not
be oppressed and those who pursued only their
passions and were blind to the straight path should
not be complemented. People who build their lives
on rational behaviour, in what they say and do,
actually achieve progress, success, stability and
goodness, simply because the way of Allah does not
change; Allah will not waste the reward of those who
work righteousness. Those who spread obscurity,
deterioration and decay lead the nation to dismay,
because it is the way of Allah that Allah does not
change the condition of a people until they change
what is within themselves.

20 DUBAI SUN

Established facts:

These are facts that are based on practical reality
and solid proof, making them useful and valuable
in conversations with others, unlike those that are
based on false rumours and fabricated news.
Judgments that originate from flimsy, tendentious
and unfounded allegations are corrupt, and what is
built on the corrupt is corrupt, and what is built on
the truth is true (28). Hence, Qur’an praised those
who speak good words and truthfulness: “They were
guided to purity of speech. They were guided to the
path of the Most Praised” (22:24)

One of the wisdom and good manners that the
Prophet, peace be upon him, taught his followers is
that he forbade them to spread foul words among
themselves and ordered them to spread good
saying, “None of my Companions must tell me
anything about anyone, for I like to come out to you
with no ill-feelings”.

One of the Qur’anic verses ordered the believers to
ascertain what they say, “O you who believe! If a
troublemaker brings you any news, investigate, lest
you harm people out of ignorance, and you become
regretful for what you have done. (49:06). Hence,
conversations based on firm facts, truthful information
and correct news are blessed by Allah Almighty
and the persons involved in such conversation are
blessed for working on their righteousness and piety
and not on sin and aggression.

DUBAI SUN 21

7

22 DUBAI SUN

Conversation based on misguided rumours and Therefore, we hope that our valued scholars,
genuine ill-faith result in obvious loss, as the way of the people of judgement, insight, advice and
Allah in His creation entails that only the truth shall guidance, through the multiple television
prevail at the end and, certainly, no other way is programs that host them or through
better than the way of Allah. symposiums and conferences held, teach
people all the above; our acceptance
Giving the objecting party the right to express: of pluralism, diversity and the culture of
political difference of opinion among us. This
Every person has the right to express his opinion on is essentially a new culture to many of us,
any dilemma without oppressing or abusing any adhering to the ethics of our conversation,
objecting person, giving him, at the same time, the listening and respecting the other and not
right to express his opinion in order to be responded yelling at each other, as we see in some
to in a polite manner, with mutual respect. So, satellite channels. Our differences and
difference of opinion among scholars and insightful disagreements should not lead to failure. Such
persons does not upset good relationships. Some culture can be achieved by establishing its
wise scholars say “Opinions are correct but liable values in our families and through the various
to error but liable to be true. That is why we should stages of education, as well as by establishing
cooperate in what we have agreed upon and excuse a specialized mechanism thereto, since such
each other in our disagreements”. cultural difference of opinion among people
is due to divergence in understanding the
Conclusion: aspects and background of the subject. We
As evident from the aforementioned, differences should also strengthen and reinforce each
among people originates in the lack of accurate other on a basis of compassion and affection
information, a blind imitation of others, intolerance, among us, with a view to build and advance
or inclination to disillusion. It can also come from our society and our nation towards progress
the sole pursuit of personal gain, fame and power, and growth. It is Allah (alone) whose help can
or a show of aggression and tyranny. Selfishness, be sought and He is the truth and guide to
arrogance, and a pursuit of dominance can also righteousness.
lead to disagreements.

As for the above-mentioned ethics of difference, they
are established to refine our manners and elevate
our souls. Commitment to those ethics would lead
us to successful conversations amongst each other
and followers of other schools of thought, whether in
scientific seminars or international conferences. It will
demonstrate ideals and an eagerness for the good
to instil sympathy towards others in our hearts, as
well as to enhance the values of tolerance, harmony,
justice and equality in our soul and in our dealings,
according to Islam.

DUBAI SUN 23

8

Footnotes 12. Musnad Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 180/5,
1. Mexat Website. Sunan Abi Dawood: Book of Sunnah,
2. Surat Hud, verse 18. Chapter on killing of Disbelievers
3. Surat Al-An‘ām, verse 35 (Khawarij) 2/299.
4. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Rahim Sultan, Scholars,
13. Mexat Website.
Jurisprudence and its Impact on Multiple 14. Mr. Mohammed Al-Mesiri: Absent Realities
Doctrines of Jurisprudence and the Effect on the
Unity of Islamic Nation, Al-Rabta Journal, Issue in the Dialogue of Civilizations, Al-Diaa
No. 475, Dhu’l-Hijjah 426, 1st of January 2006, Magazine, Issue No. 68, Rabi Al-Awal
Muslim World League, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, p. 51. 1422H, May-June 2001, Department of
5. Surat An-Nur, verse 63. Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dubai,
6. Surat An-Nahl, verse 64. United Arab Emirates, p. 46.
7. Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 213. 15. Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 170
8. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Rahim Sultan, Scholars, 16. Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 170
Jurisprudence and its Impact on Multiple Mr. Mohammed Al-Mesiri: Absent Realities
Doctrines of Jurisprudence and the Effect on the in the Dialogue of Civilizations, Al-Diaa
Unity of Islamic Nation, ibid, P. 56. Magazine, Issue No. 68, ibid, p. 47.
9. Surat Al-Imran, verse 103. 18. Dr. Jamal Nassar, Reasons and Controls of
10. Surat Al-Imran, verse 105. Difference in Opinion, Maktoob blog.
11. Jami` at-Tirmidhi: Chapters on Al-Fitan and 19. Surat al-An’am, verse 33.
Chapter on Adhering to Islamic Consensus. 20. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, Ethics
of Dialogue in Islam, Nahdat Misr Press,
Cairo 1995, p. 20.

24 DUBAI SUN

9

21. Yusuf Ali Farhat, Dialogue: Fundamentals,
Controls and its Impact on the Islamic Call,
Research presented to the Islamic University
of Gaza, Faculty of Fundamentals of Religion,
Conference of Islamic Call and Variables of the
Age, 7-8 Rabi I 1426H, 16-17 April 2005, p 168.

22. Surat Al-A’raf, verse 60.
23. Surat Al-A’raf, Verses 61-62 62.
24. Surat An-Naml, verse 164.
25. Surat Al-An’am, verse 148.
26 - Sahih Muslim and reported by Imam Ahmad,

Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah and Ibn Habban in his
narration and others, as corrected by Al-Albani
27. Narrated by Al-Bukhaari.
28. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, Ethics of
Dialogue in Islam, ibid, p. 20.
29. Surat Al-Hajj, verse 24.
30. Surat Al-Hujurat, verse 96.
11th Safar 1439 AH
31st October 2017 AC
Dr. Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Haddad
Grand Mufti, and Director of Fatwa Department

DUBAI SUN 25

Decree No. (9) of 2015 donated by donors to others for such Donations is coordinated in
philanthropic, benevolent, aid, or advance with the IACAD;
Regulating The Donations Raised charitable purposes, including 3. Any other entity named by the
in the Emirate of Dubai Zakat and alms. Director General, as the public
interest may require.
We, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Scope of Application
Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, IACAD’s Functions
Article (2)
Having perused: Article (4)
This Decree shall apply to all
Law No. (9) of 2004 Concerning Donations raised, in any manner For the purposes of implementing
the Dubai International Financial and for any purpose whatsoever this Decree, IACAD will have the
Centre and the amendments in the Emirate, including Private following tasks and powers:
thereto; Development Zones and free zones, 1. Urge and encourage the
including the Dubai International individuals to make donations.
Law No. (2) of 2011 Concerning Financial Centre. 2. Examine the donation-raising
the Islamic Affairs and Charitable applications in the Emirate, license
Activities Department; Raising Donations the same, and take the necessary
action in this regard;
Decree No. (22) of 2009 Concerning Article (3) 3. Control and supervise donation
Private Development Zones in the raising activities in the Emirate.
Emirate of Dubai; and a. Donations shall be neither 4. Audit the funds received through
raised, permitted to be raised, nor donations, issue approvals on the
The legislations regulating the free advertised in the Emirate through methods of disposing of the same
zones in the Emirate of Dubai, radio, newspapers, or TVs; nor and determine to whom such
through any other means, except funds shall go.
do hereby decree as follows: after obtaining the IACAD’s written
approval for the same. Licensing Donations
Definitions
b. The prohibition referred to under Article (5)
Article (1) Para (a) hereof does not apply to
the following: An application for a licence to
The following words and raise donations shall be submitted
expressions, wherever mentioned 1. Donations raised based on to IACAD using the applicable form
in this Decree, shall have the initiatives by His Highness the prescribed by it for this purpose,
meanings assigned opposite each President of the UAE, His Highness along with the information
one of them, unless the context the Vice President of the UAE, and documents required by
implies otherwise: members of the Federal Supreme IACAD. IACAD shall examine the
The State: The United Arab Council, and the crown princes application and shall issue its
Emirates. and deputy rulers of the emirates decision on the same within
The Emirate: The Emirate of Dubai. of the UAE;
IACAD: Islamic Affairs and
Charitable Activities Department. 2. Donations raised by Government
Director General: The Director entities, provided that raising
General of the IACAD.

Donations: Property voluntarily

26 DUBAI SUN

fifteen (15) days from the date of donations. The said report shall (the power) to instruct the
its submission. The application mention the amount of funds financial institutions licensed in the
shall be deemed as rejected if no raised, and and methods of Emirate with which bank accounts
decision has been issued within disbursing the same. are held with donations raised in
this period. 2. Comply with the terms of the violation of the provisions of this
Details of Application for Donations license issued to him. Decree and the resolutions issued
Licensing 3. Comply with the provisions of in pursuance hereof, to close such
this Decree and the resolutions bank accounts, and to transfer
Article (6) issued by IACAD in pursuance such frozen funds in such accounts
hereof. to IACAD. The concerned financial
An application for obtaining a institutions shall comply with such
licence to raise Donations shall Illegal Donations instructions.
include the following information:
1. The purpose of raising the Article (8) Penalties
donations.
2. The names of persons authorized a. IACAD shall receive all such Article (10)
to collect donations. donations raised in violation of the
3. the places where Donations will provisions of this Decree and the a. Without prejudicing any stricter
be collected; resolutions issued in pursuance penalty stipulated in any other
4. The means of collecting hereof, in addition to determining legislation, any person who violates
donations. the method of disposing of these the provisions of this decree or the
5. The period proposed for raising donations and the entity to which resolutions issued in pursuance
donations; they will be transferred. hereof shall be penalized by
6. The entity to which such b. Pursuant to a resolution issued by imprisonment for a period not
donations will go the Director General, a committee less than one (1) month and not
7. The money amount specified to shall be formed to quantify the more than one (1) year, and by a
be raised donations referred to under fine not less than five thousand
8. Any other information as may be paragraph (a) hereof and state Dirhams (AED 5,000.00) and not
required by IACAD. the same in officially approved more than one hundred thousand
statements including the sources Dirhams (AED 100,000.00), or by
Licensee’s Obligations and amounts of these donations, any of these two penalties. The
and any other information related Court shall order such donation
Article (7) thereto. funds raised in breach of the
provisions of this Decree or the
Any entity licensed to raise Freezing and Closing Bank resolutions issued in pursuance
donations shall: Accounts hereof to be handed in to IACAD in
1. Submit a report to IACAD at the order to determine the method of
end of the period set for raising Article (9) disposing of these donation funds
and the entity to which they go.
The Director General shall have b. The Director General shall refer

DUBAI SUN 27

any person violating the provisions Decree or the resolutions issued Issuing Executive Resolutions
of this Decree or the resolutions in pursuance hereof under the
issued in pursuance hereof to the terms and conditions specified by Article (15)
competent judicial authorities. the Director General in this regard.
Upon concluding such settlement, The Director General shall issue the
Waiver one or more of the following resolutions required for executing
measures shall be taken: the provisions of this Decree.
Article (11)
1. Serving a written notice to Repeals
The Penal case shall cease at any the violator, and obtaining an
time waived by IACAD and before a undertaking from him to the Article (16)
final judgment is ruled unless such effect that he shall not repeat the
case is related to another crime. In violation in future; Any provision in any other
criminal cases involving multiple legislation shall be repealed to
accused persons, the waive given 2. Compelling him to pay as double the extent that it contradicts the
to any one of them shall extend to as the amount raised through provisions of this Decree.
the other remaining ones. such donations.
Publication and Commencement
Judicial Enforcement 3. Closing down the establishment
where such violator collects Article (17)
Article (12) donations, for a period not
exceeding one (1) year. This Decree shall be published
Employees of IACAD nominated in the Official Gazette; and shall
under a resolution issued by the Grievance come into effect on the day on
Director General shall have the which it is published.
capacity of judicial enforcement Article (14)
officers to record the acts Mohammed bin Rashid
committed in breach of the Any relevant party may submit a Al Maktoum
provisions of this Decree and the written grievance to the Director Ruler of Dubai
resolutions issued in pursuance General against any decisions
hereof. For this purpose, they or measures taken against Issued in Dubai on 11 April 2015 G.
may issue violation reports and him under this Decree or the Corresponding to 22 Jumada al-
shall have the power to seek resolutions issued in pursuance Akhira 1436 H.
the assistance from competent hereof, within thirty (30) days from
entities including police personnel. taking such decision or measure.
The grievance shall be disposed
Amicable Settlement of, within thirty (30) days from
the date of its submission, by a
Article (13) committee formed by the Director
General for this purpose. The
IACAD may conclude an amicable decision issued in respect of this
settlement with any person who grievance shall be deemed final.
has violated the provisions of this

28 DUBAI SUN

Dubai Calendar Achievements of the Hijri date and its corresponding
Gregorian date, including Islamic historical
Calendar: is the calculation of time in years, months events, religious and national occasions, the
and days. In addition to the chronicling of events, daily prayer times for the city of Dubai and
listing of occasions, calculation of prayer times and its environs. It also contains daily aphorisms,
astronomical information. information on agricultural seasons, weather,
zodiac and horoscopes.
Lunar Calendar (Hijri): is the calculation of the year
and its distribution in months and days according to The Dubai Calendar dates back to the time of
the emergence of the moon, as opposed to the Solar the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum,
Calendar (Gregorian), based on the movement of former Ruler of Dubai, who ordered the
the sun. issuance of a special calendar for Dubai that
sets the dates of the government’s register
The Calendar is not only a tool to calculate days, and the prayer times for the residents of the
months, years and events chronology; it is also a Emirate of Dubai. The Calendar also indicates
manifestation of the nations’ civilizations and culture. the time differences between Dubai and other
Every nation is keen to have its own calendar to express emirates. He entrusted the Islamic Affairs &
its identity, and as a tribute to their civilizations such Charitable Activities Department in Dubai with
as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romanians, Sumerians, this mission, and its General Manager at that
Chaldeans, Chinese and Indians. time Sheikh Abdul Jabbar Al Majid, prepared
the first calendar for the Emirate of Dubai.
Emergence of the Hijri calendar IACAD has been responsible since for issuing
the Dubai Calendar on an annual basis.
Before Islam, the Arabs chronicled the years as
per important events, and chose the year of the The First Issue of the Hijri Calendar was
construction of the Kaaba to mark the beginning published in the year 1393 AH, corresponding
of the Hijri Calendar. This continued after Islam. to 1973 AD, and it has since been published
Muslims named the year in which the Prophet (pbuh) recurrently and successfully until its 46th
authorized the Muslims to immigrate from Makkah Edition in the year 1438 AH, corresponding to
to Medina as the Year of Command, and named the 2016 – 2017AD.
year in which the Prophet (pbuh) made his pilgrimage
as the Year of Farewell. This achievement can be
divided in three phases:
This chronicling system continued until the 17th Hijri
year, during which the Khalifa Omar bin AlKhattab, First Phase: (The establishment): It is the first
(may Allah be pleased with him) established the stage (from 1393 AH till 1413 AH, corresponding
current Hijri Calendar. This calendar considered the to 1973 to 1992 AD) during which the material of
blessed prophetic migration as the beginning of the the Dubai Calendar was prepared and issued
chronicling era. on the basis of the Lunar Hijri Calendar and the
corresponding Gregorian dates. The calendar
The establishment of Dubai Calendar and the stages was issued in two formats: a wall copy and a
of its development printed copy.

Dubai Calendar is a conventional civil calendar based DUBAI SUN 29
on accurate astronomical calculations. It comprises

Second Phase (Development)

This phase dating from 1413 AH to 1423 AH, corresponding
to 1993 and 2002 AD, was full of valuable innovations
and improvements that were recorded on the
Calendar’s pages.

Third Phase: (Creativity)

It started from 1413 AH, (corresponding to 2003 AD),
to date.
The most prominent achievements of this phase:
1) Adding time differences for the residents of high

towers such as Burj Khalifa.
2) Adding the time of the last third of the night.
3) Adding the time of the beginning of the Duha

Prayer (Ishraq).
4) Putting aphorisms at the bottom of the calendar

to facilitate reading.
5) Translating the calendar in English to cater for the

needs of multi-cultural readers.
6) Printing prayer times in Braille for people with

special needs.
7) Calculating prayer times for most world cities.
8) Providing other emirates and countries with

information on the beginning of Hijri months and
prayer times.
9) Periodic field reviews of prayer times.
10) Establishing the credibility of the calendar locally
and globally, thanks to a margin of error of 1% for
the beginning of the Hijri months.
11) Increasing the number of the calendar’s printed
copies from 2000 to 150,000 copies annually.

30 DUBAI SUN

Closing Statement

During this phase, Dubai Calendar received
great attention from the Department, in the
areas of developing scientific material and
improving the level of technical output to
enhance the function of the Calendar in order to
achieve customer happiness.

DUBAI SUN 31

Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum
Ruler of Dubai

32 DUBAI SUN

Mohammed bin Rashid Center
for Islamic Culture Beacon of
Knowledge, Tolerance and
Communication

Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture in Al Barsha, Dubai is considered one of the most important
cultural centers in the UAE. It is administratively affiliated to the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities
Department in Dubai. The Center plays a major communication role between the various cultures present in
the UAE and specifically Dubai, through its weekly, monthly and annual programs and its strategic plans. It
also promotes a moderate Islamic culture, that conforms to our Islamic civilization, its heritage and cultural
impact that have benefited nations and civilizations for centuries.

Mrs. Hind Mohammed Hussein Lootah, Managing Director of the Center, spoke to us about the Center, its
functions and activities across the Emirate of Dubai:

She highlighted the following tasks that reflect the administrative responsibility at the heart of establishing
the Center:

The Centre is in charge of spreading the Islamic culture in its tolerant form, disseminating Islamic heritage
through exhibitions, programs and various related activities, as well as communicating with Islamic and
Cultural centers and institutions inside and outside the UAE.

Lootah said that the Centre organizes lectures, courses, workshops and lessons with the help of the specialized
staff in different languages for new Muslims, non-Muslims and non-Arabic speakers. These activities are
carried out in cooperation with the relevant departments and authorities, as well as the government and
the private entities in the Emirate of Dubai. The events are selected according to the nature of the activities,
and are organized in mosques, councils, associations, religious centers, consulates, correctional institutions,
commercial centers and gatherings areas in coordination with the concerned parties. Through these
activities, we seek to answer any queries relating to the Islamic culture, and convey the bright and true
image of the teachings of Islam and its culture, knowledge and ethics.

Regarding the functions of the Center, Lootah added: We thrive to welcome those who wish to convert to
Islam at our management office in Al Barsha and our headquarters located in Al Mamzar in Dubai. We
provide these individuals whether males or females with an explanation of the meanings and pillars of Islam,
its principles of faith and charity, and of the behavioral impact on the individuals and society. We provide
those who convert with books and we enroll them in awareness lectures and specialized educational courses
to help them in this

DUBAI SUN 33

new stage of their lives. The Center also issues new progress and development of civilizations:
Muslims and their children with Islam Embracement
Certificates. We are keen at the Center to support the Lootah said: The management takes special
community relationships of new Muslims and follow- care in updating the mechanisms and
up with their affairs in accordance with the approved methods of teaching and communicating
regulations. information according to the latest findings of
similar institutions and authorities. Therefore,
We asked about the Center’s role in providing support we are keen at the Center to select the best
to the other competent authorities across the UAE in candidates, train them according to today’s
its role as a habitat for non-Arabic speakers and for necessities and evaluate their performance
the various cultures and nationalities: level in religious guidance. We also work with
the stakeholders of the Department in this field,
Lootah said: There is no doubt that the Center organize their activities, and follow-up on their
enhances the work of other authorities by promoting performance in coordination with the relevant
religious events, communicating with the public in authorities inside and outside the Department.
different languages, and preparing Arabic learning We also work on spreading awareness of
programs for non-native speakers. This contributes to the UAE’s culture, customs, traditions, values,
the consolidation of the concept of religious tourism environment and local heritage, as well as
across the Emirate of Dubai, through our distinctive introducing religious teachings. We also
religious and heritage activities and events. offer various programs to promote cultural
communication between the different
On the support given by Islamic Affairs and Charitable nationalities in the UAE.
Activities Department to the Center:
Lootah talked about the three sections of the
Lootah confirmed that the Center receives the Center: the New Muslims Affairs Section, the
support and follow-up of His Excellency Dr. Hamad Cultural Communication Section and the
Al Sheikh Ahmad Al Shaibani, Director General of Students Affairs Section.
the Department, who personally participates in
welcoming new Muslims as well as helps in projects The New Muslim Affairs Section promotes the
that contribute to the dissemination of Islam, the introduction of Islam through various means
promotion of its moderate culture and the delivery of of communication. It welcomes individuals
its bright message to humanity. Dr. Omar Al Khatib, who wish to convert to Islam, and explains to
the Department’s Executive Director of Islamic them the principles of Islam. It also provides
Affairs, supervises the Center’s plans and activities. them with books, invites them to attend lectures
This reflects the attention and patronage accorded and courses, and provides them with the
by our wise leadership to new Muslims and their necessary services. This Section is responsible
keenness to develop expertise and sustain the of supervising the process of converting
capability to preserve moderation, tolerance and to Islam, inside and outside the Center, in
respectful communication in Islam. coordination with the concerned authorities.
It issues new Islam Embracement Certificates,
We inquired about the Center’s employees and the or replacements for lost certificates. It also
management’s role in developing their skills and issues true copies of such certificates, and “to
training them to stay at par with the continuous

34 DUBAI SUN

whom it may concern” certificates. The Center also
issues certificates to their children according to the
applicable procedures, and archives them according
to the Center’s applicable standards. It also supervises
the activation of the new Muslim e-program and the
implementation of the electronic link for the process
of converting to Islam. It also provides specialized
programs, lectures, courses, workshops, lessons,
social gatherings, and events catered to new Muslims
in different languages. The Centre manages and
promotes relations with new Muslims and follows
up on their affairs in accordance with the approved
regulations while providing them with the basic
knowledge on Islamic practices to enable them to
worship. It also prepares integrated databases of new
Muslims and issues statistics and periodic reports
according to the required classifications. This data
is utilized to develop and provide services to new
Muslims.

The Cultural Communication Section prepares the
cultural communication plans and the necessary
operational programs according to specific annual
indicators that serve the Department’s strategy. This
Section provides religious teachings and various
programs to promote cultural communication
between different nationalities and highlight the
virtues of Islam as a religion of humanity and human
welfare for all times and places. The Section also
conveys this message to non-Muslim residents and
visitors in the Emirate of Dubai, welcomes visiting
delegations and introduces them to the Emirati
culture that is derived from Islamic teachings.

The third section is Students Affairs Section,
which is responsible for the preparation of plans,
projects, events and religious activities related to
the introduction of Islam, and the memorization,
recitation and study of the Holy Quran, Sunnah,
jurisprudence, and the Prophet’s biography. It also
coordinates with the Maktoum Quran

DUBAI SUN 35

Learning Center, to carry out memorization and activities inside and outside the Center. All of
recitation of the Holy Quran for new Muslims and these are registered in the form of accurate
to welcome them and familiarize them with the statistics that give us insightful look in light of
educational systems available at the Center. It the questionnaires submitted to the targeted
also provides them with the necessary information groups after each educational, awareness
on joining classes, introduces students to the or direct educational or recreational activity
foundation and advanced educational programs provided by the Center. This contributes
of Islam and the Arabic language, and grants towards strengthening the relations with
them certificates. It also provides them academic learners, and providing proper follow up of their
evaluation and development and other educational affairs and eventually further development
services. It keeps records of their files and updates of the services provided to them. All of this is
them according to their educational attainment. preceded by the preparation of an integrated
In addition, the Section provides non-educational plan for the development of counselors in
activities such as trips that promote social relations, cooperation with other sections at the Center,
develop their common culture, and various sports and the issuance of reports in this respect.

36 DUBAI SUN

NEWS to the effectiveness of cooperation between
public and private sectors – this is something
As part of an initiative hosted by Dubai Islamic Affairs that we seek to develop further in the future.”
covering three housing sites for workers in Dubai
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities
“Meals of Hope” initiative distributes Department in Dubai has announced the
30,000 meals to workers launch of the second phase of the Meals of
Hope initiative, the first of its kind in the UAE to
Dubai, xx July, 2019: As part of Meals of Hope provide meals to the underprivileged through
initiative, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities a digital platform. Recently expanded, the
Department in Dubai (IACAD) launched a charity campaign now covers beneficiaries in 36
drive where 30,000 meals were distributed to workers locations in the emirate of Dubai.
in different areas of the emirate. The campaign,
which was organized by IACAD in cooperation with
the Permanent Committee of Labours Affairs -
Dubai PCLAD, Zomato and Dulsco, covered workers’
accommodations in Al Quoz, Sonapur and Dubai
Investment Parks. Furthermore, IACAD contracted a
specialized restaurant to provide meals according to
the approved quality and health standards, in order
for the volunteers participating in the initiative to
distribute the meals at the workers’ housing locations
and introduce them to the Meals of Hope initiative.

Mohammed Musabeh Ali Dhahi, Director of the
Charity Department at Dubai IACAD, pointed to
IACAD’s commitment to Dubai’s vision for social
development. He noted that the Meals of Hope is one
of the initiatives that supports Article 9 of the 50-Year-
Charter issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the
UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The article aims for annual
growth in philanthropy in the emirate of Dubai.

Dhahi stressed IACAD’s keenness to expand the
Meals of Hope campaign and to identify workers and
the underprivileged in different areas of Dubai, and
educate them about the objectives of the initiative
and how they can benefit from it. Dhahi said: “The
success of the Meals of Hope campaign since its
launch in the Holy month of Ramadan is testament

DUBAI SUN 37

IACAD announces AED 36.818 Mr. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Executive
million contract for upcoming Director of the Charity Sector of IACAD, also
Zayed Dialysis Centre noted the department’s commitment to Article
9 of the 50-Year-Charter issued by H.H. Sheikh
As part of its unceasing efforts to accelerate Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to promote
humanitarian initiatives in Dubai and its commitment a culture of humanitarian work as one of the
to Article 9 of the 50-Year-Charter issued by H.H. fundamental pillars of community values. Al
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Muhairi said: “The new centre will be called the
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler Zayed Dialysis Centre to honour the legacy
of Dubai, the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh
Activities Department (IACAD), in cooperation with the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose charitable
Dubai Health Authority (DHA), announced a AED 36.818 and humanitarian work is beyond reproach.
million contract to build the Zayed Dialysis Centre. For our part at IACAD, we reiterate that we will
Estimated to hold 40 beds, the centre will have 30% strive to forge further partnerships with the local
of its capacity allocated to cases from contributing community and cooperate with government
charities - namely Dar al-Bar, Beit Al Khair Society and sector projects aimed at serving them.“
Dubai Charity – who will be treated for free.

IACAD signed this agreement in cooperation with DHA
and is responsible to build the Zayed Dialysis Centre
in Al-Twar 3 in Dubai for AED 30 million. The design
and construction of the centre is expected to be
completed within 18 months of signing the contract.

H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Al Shaikh Ahmed Al Shaibani,
Director General of the Islamic Affairs and
Charitable Activities Department in Dubai stressed
the department’s commitment to increase and
support humanitarian and charitable efforts in the
emirate. H.E. said: “The Zayed Dialysis Centre is a
novel approach to creating a successful partnership
between government entities in Dubai. The centre
will be one of the most important scientific, medical
and therapeutic facilities in the region, underscoring
Dubai’s position as a major destination for medical
tourism. Importantly, the centre will also provide
humanitarian services to the needy in coordination
with the department and relevant charities, and in
line with the vision of the emirate of Dubai.“

38 DUBAI SUN

The centre will consist of two floors comprising a total
area of 5339.58 square meters with a capacity of 40
beds. The first floor of the centre will include 10 beds
for cases requiring isolation from infectious diseases,
including two rooms related to chest diseases, four
specialized clinics, and support services that will
include a state-of-the-art laboratory for diagnostics
and monitoring of the potential complications arising
from dialysis. The centre will also include a pharmacy,
ambulance services, nutritional clinic and general
administrative services offices. The first floor of the
centre will also accommodate 30 beds and provide all
clinical support services, as well as facilities for the staff.
Mr. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi added: “The Zayed
Dialysis Centre will also include an outpatient dialysis
unit and a licensed medical facility that will provide
services to patients who require dialysis on a regular
basis. Furthermore, it will also provide dialysis training
at home. The new centre is expected to be a gateway
to medical tourism in Dubai, and will offer treatment
to tourists at the highest medical standards.”
The 50-Year-Charter includes H.H. Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of the future of Dubai
and the happy and healthy life he wishes for everyone
living in its communities. Article 9 of the charter aims
to grow philanthropy in the emirate of Dubai on an
annual basis.

DUBAI SUN 39

Within the framework of implementing the Government directives that aim to embrace
projects of the first phase of “Dubai 10X” initiative innovation as a fundamental pillar of different
sectors’ operations in order to help plan better
IACAD to launch Virtual Ifta for the future.
Programme before end of year
His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Al Sheikh Ahmed
In line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Al Shaibani, General Director of IACAD,
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime noted that the global platform to serve the
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Islamic Holy Quran, Fatwa and Scientific Research
Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai is part of IACAD’s strategy to reiterate its
(IACAD) announced the launch of the first edition Islamic leadership worldwide by utilizing
of the Virtual Ifta Programme which will come into the vast database of the Ifta Department.
effect before end of year. This programme falls in The database of the Fatwa Department
line with IACAD’s commitment to creating forward- includes a large number of fatwa books that
looking institutional models that anticipate and thus include thousands of fatwas approved by the
address the requirements of the future. Higher Committee of Ifta. This helps provide
fatwa services to Muslims around the world,
This initiative that has been included in the first phase through a digital platform, enabling the UAE to
of “Dubai 10X” initiative, approved by H.H. Sheikh maintain its standing on the global stage, and
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, lead in new sectors.
Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive
Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dr. Al Shaibani said: “The launch of the Virtual
Dubai Future Foundation, contributes to achieving Ifta Programme coincides with the 50th
the Dubai Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which anniversary of the IACAD, and reiterates our
aims to transform Dubai into an easy, effective and commitment to illustrate the achievements
happy experience for citizens and visitors. of the past decades through innovation in
delivering our services in line with the vision of
This initiative is the first of its kind in the Islamic our wise leadership. This is also to reaffirm that
world. The programme will provide fatwa services IACAD will be a key contributor to Dubai’s role
using advanced technologies including Artificial in expressing true religious knowledge and
Intelligence (AI), virtual and enhanced interaction, the values of moderate Islam and tolerance
vocal analysis, voice recognition, text analysis, worldwide, in order to foster a culture of
written words, and other technology. innovation and leadership in government
work.”
The launch of the Virtual Ifta project will contribute to
achieving “Dubai 10X” objectives, which are supervised IACAD’s aim with this programme is to
by Dubai Future Foundation, to contribute to the manage the large numbers of fatwa requests
execution of Dubai’s vision to be the city of the future. and religious inquiries and provide fatwa in
This is done through new initiatives that contribute to different languages quickly and accurately.
the sustainability of Dubai’s competitiveness. It will be Additionally, the programme will document
the first fatwa platform to employ Artificial Intelligence the vast fatwa-specialised databases,
(AI) and big data analysis, in line with the Dubai

40 DUBAI SUN

documents and books, in order to provide the best counsel.
The Virtual Ifta Programme will be an approved source of fatwa, which will help combat suspicious and
inaccurate fatwa sources and therefore offer a reliable alternative.
Dr. Omar Mohammad Al Khatib, Executive Director of the Islamic Affairs in IACAD said: “The Virtual Ifta
Programme is an ever-evolving project. A large database, documents, jurisprudence books and fatwas
will be documented and processed as part of the programme. The project also aims to add multiple
languages in order to broaden the base of beneficiaries of this initiative. A specialized team working in the
Ifta Department in IACAD will supervise the programme to ensure that the fatwas are in accordance with
Sharia rules and the standards of IACAD.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Kamali, Virtual Ifta project lead, said: “The Virtual Ifta Programme will provide fatwa
services to Muslims from around the world 24/7. IACAD’s vast database covers various religious topics
and is employed in the development of this project. AI techniques will be used to analyse the data in order
to provide Sharia opinions and fatwas. This will help jurists and muftis to avoid repeating the answers to
frequently asked questions and enable them to direct their efforts to research and study that benefits the
Muslim community overall.”
The Ifta Department in IACAD currently provides its services through communication channels such
as website, e-mail, face-to-face consultations, fax, mail, radio and satellite programs, in addition to a
12-hours-a-day toll-free service. The Ifta Department also provides special lines for women, which are
attended to by female muftis who are able to address concerns from women who speak other languages
than Arabic. The online response to fatwas does not exceed 72 hours.

DUBAI SUN 41

More than 57,000 beneficiaries in the third quarter efforts that’s aligned with, and in proportion,
of 2019 with the country’s economic growth.

In excess of AED 19 million in Al Muhairi said: “IACAD seeks to bolster
charitable contributions from social cohesion and strengthen the bonds
IACAD during the same period of cooperation within our society. We always
strive to provide assistance to members of
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities society who require humanitarian aid. This
Department in Dubai (IACAD) announced that its is in in line with the values of generosity and
charitable contributions covering education, health, humanity that characterizes the UAE and
housing and other humanitarian sectors clocked in its wise leadership, who have, and continue
at a total value of AED 19,159,636 in the third quarter to, uplift societies and communities both
of this year. This is in line with IACAD’s commitment inside and outside the country. We work with
to Article 9 of 50-Year-Charter and its contribution relevant entities to ensure that this assistance
to initiatives, which provide a better life for the is spread in an equitable manner and reaches
underprivileged. deserving beneficiaries.”

The report issued by the Charity Sector in IACAD The Charity Sector of IACAD aims to provide
noted that the total number of beneficiaries, comprehensive support based on the
including citizens and non-citizens, stood at 57,312. humanitarian assistance plan for 2019. This
Assistance provided to beneficiaries from citizens is in line with the announcement made by
amounted to AED 9,225,953 for humanitarian cases; the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh
AED 7,209,740 for relief of anguish, AED 1,917,213 for Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to recognize
housing assistance, and AED 99,000 for rent aid. 2019 as the ‘Year of Tolerance’, as well as the
objectives of Article 9 of 50-Year-Charter.
The total assistance provided by IACAD to non-
citizen beneficiaries totaled at AED 3,171,611, including
AED 756,798 for the health sector, AED 199,500 for
relief of anguish, AED 40,000 for rent support, while
the rest was spent on other humanitarian activities.

Mr. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Executive Director of
the Charity Sector noted that IACAD is always looking
to expand its humanitarian and charitable efforts,
based on the directives of His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President,
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. These
are reflected in Article 9 of 50-Year-Charter, which
aims to achieve annual growth in humanitarian

42 DUBAI SUN

DUBAI SUN 43

Interviews

Ahmed Al Muhairi, Executive
Director of Charitable Work Sector
at IACAD interview:

Laying the Foundation Stone of the
Dialysis Center next month

Ahmed Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Charity Work
Sector at IACAD, reiterated that the specialization in
charitable work as well as the quality of relief provided
to the needy are some of the most important
requirements for the sustainability, integration and
development of this sector. He urged all institutions
and associations that are active in this field to
adopt, interact with and promote this approach
through charitable initiatives and projects. He also
disclosed that the concept of «specialization» will
be transformed into a methodology and a general
culture in the coming period.

Al Muhairi told Al Bayan that the Zayed Dialysis
Center project, which was announced earlier by
IACAD in partnership with Dar Al Ber Society, Dubai
Charity Association, and Beit Al Khair Society, and
in cooperation with the Health Authority, is up for
tender. He added that the Center’s foundation stone
would be laid next month, in preparation for the
implementation of this project, the total cost of which
is estimated at AED 34 million.

He added: “Emirates Giving Initiative” is a pioneering
project on the local, regional and global level. It is
the first electronic system that connects charitable
organizations and foundations in Dubai under one
umbrella via an integrated cloud system that links
these foundations together, thus enabling them to
perform more efficiently. This system automates
all internal operations and financial transactions
in a way that benefits all involved parties including
donors, associations, IACAD and beneficiaries of

44 DUBAI SUN

these donations.

He also added that the portal provides
a reliable, secure and unified electronic
payment service through the portal itself and
through smartphones, in addition to electronic
collections systems and donation systems
for projects implemented by the charitable
associations. The portal also contributes to
enhancing the human resources systems,
finance, correspondence and requests
systems, between the associations and the
IACAD and any other party in connection with
the work and the competence of the charities
in the administrative and financial aspects.

Requirements

Al Muhairi pointed out that sustainable
development projects are the best solution for
all problems and requirements in the health,
education and housing sectors. He also noted
that the IACAD has established funds for these
sectors in cooperation with the charities in
Dubai and allocated sums to support the
cases of the needy that meet the conditions
set by the IACAD and its charitable partners.

He stated that last year the IACAD provided
156,200 individuals in need of assistance in
various sectors such as education, health and
housing, with aids amounting to AED 60,700,000/.
In addition, IACAD allocated a budget to the
«Emirates of Giving» radio program which is
aired by «Noor Dubai» and that aims to spread
the culture of philanthropy, and promote it at
the humanitarian level by raising the awareness
of humanitarian needs, and the necessity to join
forces. This all in addition to the budgets under
the item ”Other Payments“.

Partnership

Al Muhairi said that IACAD allocated with its

DUBAI SUN 45

partners an amount of AED 42 million to the Housing Al Muhairi also revealed a plan to school
Fund, and contributed to the settlement of debts 1,100 students, who meet the eligibility
or «Payables» on 23 completed houses that were requirements for educational assistance, in
obtained through the housing programs. He indicated the evening period, at the Himaya Schools
that the Fund has provided each homeowner with that are provided by Dubai Police and that
an amount of AED 450,000 to move in and settle in will be operational from next year. He pointed
his house instead of waiting until he provides the out that the dialysis center project referred to
remaining payment to the housing program. previously would be the first of sustainable
health projects.
Benefits
Al Muhairi emphasized that all institutions
Al Muhairi said that IACAD and its partners agreed with and charitable organisations working in the
the Community Development Authority under the Emirate of Dubai became interconnected via
item of ‘benefits’ to end the suffering of the registered the electronic linking system «Emirates Giving
needy, who were receiving monthly payments to Portal», supervised and continuously updated
meet their obligations specifically relating to housing by IACAD in order to prevent duplication in
and settlement of remaining due amounts. Thus, granting assistance to the needy in UAE. This
removing them from the beneficiaries’ list under this also accelerates the provision of humanitarian
item, and solving their problem for good.

46 DUBAI SUN

aid, and activates the role of each association in publicity run by individuals, or
providing support to families, enhancing the process government or private departments,
of coordination and the exchange of ideas and Al Muhairi explained that the Projects
suggestions between them. Department Inspectors carried out
more than 3,000 field and «office»
He pointed out that the financially and inspection rounds in 2018 to ensure
administratively integrated project aims to enable compliance and abidance with the
the IACAD to carry out its supervisory role and to fundraising law during the collection
facilitate the associations’ access to the services process according to the provisions
and permits of IACAD. The project also contributes to of ”Decree No. 9 of 2015 on the
standardising databases and providing associations organization of fundraising“ in the
and charities with an integrated system that meets Emirate of Dubai.
all their needs in accordance with the latest technical
developments, and programs. It also provides He explained that any announcement
training to such associations and charities to use the related to fundraising through various
integrated system. media or other communication
platforms must be licensed by
Censorship the Islamic Affairs and Charitable
Activities Department in Dubai. These
With regard to the censorship procedures and announcements should mention the
campaigns on fundraising campaigns and license number and the collection boxes
distributed in mosques, commercial
centers, hospitals, health centers, etc.,
as well as the fundraising coupons.

Al Muhairi called on all members of
society, be it individuals, institutions
or government departments to abide
by the regulations and laws governing
the collection process, confirming that
violating these regulations and laws
will result into imprisonment and fining
after the referral of the violating party
or individual to the judicial authorities
in the Emirate. He noted that IACAD will
not be tolerant with those who commit
repeated fundraising violations, and
that IACAD will impose the measures
imposed by law on violators, in order
to strictly

DUBAI SUN 47

48 DUBAI SUN

enforce the provisions relating to the process of way or another through these artists and
fundraising and disbursement. celebrities, without a permission from IACAD.
This is considered a violation of the law, as
Al Muhairi said Article No. 6 of the Fundraising Decree it is a requirement to obtain a permission to
stipulates that the application for a fundraising organize such events. We do not deny the
license must include the following data: the purpose importance of providing support to such
of raising funds, the names of the persons authorized centers, but this should not be done in a way
to collect donations, the locations where the that violates the provisions of the law“.
collection will take place, the method, the proposed
duration of the collection, the beneficiaries and the Competencies
specific amount to be collected.
Ahmed Al Muhairi, Executive Director of
He added: Any fundraising by individuals, institutions Charitable Work Sector at IACAD, confirmed
or departments, whether in the public or private that the Fundraising Decree gives IACAD
sectors, must be done through a licensed body by the authority to accept Zakat funds from
the IACAD, such as the authorized charities to collect the Zakat payers, and pointed out that this
donations and to license fundraisers. According to process is not an infringement upon the work
the law, the donations collected must first be credited of the charitable organizations entrusted to
to the charity’s account, then transferred or written collect donations and Zakat funds, and does
to the party that carried out the collection operation, not contradict the jurisdiction of the IACAD as
in order to document and monitor the process and a supervisory authority for the charities and
ensure that it was done lawfully. their competencies.

Undertaking He also pointed out that the collection boxes in
the mosques of the Emirate of Dubai bearing
Al Muhairi pointed out that the IACAD has returned the slogan of IACAD are “for collecting Zakat
90% of the donations collected by local authorities payments only” and are not for collecting
in violation of the law, as they were first timers in donations and charity as some people may
committing this offense and obtained a written think.
undertaking from them not to repeat this violation,
otherwise they will be held accountable before the Al Muhairi pointed out that Islamic Affairs and
judicial authorities. Charitable Activities Department in Dubai
seeks to promote a culture of giving and
He also stressed the necessity for centers dedicated donating amongst all segments of society
to people of determination and any other illness through its various channels, as per legal
treatment centers to abide by the special fundraising procedures and without any infringements. He
instructions, and not host artists and celebrities for stated that IACAD spread awareness among
the purpose of fundraising or obtain material returns, the students of more than 35 schools across
without the prior permission of IACAD. the Emirate of Dubai about related laws and
regulations, in order to reduce unlicensed and
He added: ”Some centers for people of determination random fundraising.
or for treatment of certain diseases, hosted artists
and celebrities, and collected donations in one

DUBAI SUN 49

Al Bayan interview with Dr. Ahmed is the whole approach of Islam as Allah
Al Haddad, Grand Mufti, and Director said on the Islamic Ummah (Nation): {And
of Fatwa Department, Islamic thus we have made you a just community
Affairs and Charitable Activities that you will be witnesses over the people
Department, Dubai: and the Messenger will be a witness over
you.} If the whole nation is moderate, then
1. What do you think about the it is necessary for the whole Sharia to be
establishment of the UAE Fatwa moderate, so there is no immoderation or
Council? Why is it important? appeasement, which may lead to the loss
How will it keep pace with the of Sharia’s statutes and purposes. This
contemporary issues in society? is the approach of the Prophet (peace
be upon him) saying to the Islamic
This is a remarkable institution, which will stay Ummah:  “I was sent with a tolerant faith”
up to date with the legislative and cultural and “Allah loves the tolerant faith of truth”.
development of the UAE, especially as people This is the approach of the Fatwa
need more awareness about Islam. There are Department at the Islamic Affairs and
many modern changes and uncertainties, and Charitable Activities Department, which
people may ask the advice of non-specialists and takes an intermediate approach in all its
be misguided. The establishment of this Council fatwas. It has expanded its presence and
is a great achievement and will have a positive is receiving questions about fatwas from
impact on the individual, society and the UAE alike. everywhere.

The Council will keep abreast of the new issues 3. What are the practical
by studying and reviewing, and then clarifying mechanisms to control the
the injunction of the law, which is derived from chaos of fatwas on social
the Sharia and enhanced by Maqasid Al-Sharia. networking sites? How do
These studies are not undertaken by an individual, you explain this situation
but by collective action, in order to do the right and what do you think is the
thing or get the correct approach to it. goal behind it?

2. What is the meaning of Social networking sites are an open space that
moderation in the fatwa? What is are difficult to control, especially in matters of
Dubai’s approach to fatwas and fatwa posted by people in such sites, where
why? some fatwas could be right and some could
be misleading. Many people want to inquire
Moderation in the fatwa means non-strictness and about fatwas concerning their lives, and it is
non-negligence, like all Islamic law. Moderation easier to

50 DUBAI SUN