Sharjah introduces rules regulating mosques, Islamic activities

Image courtesy: WAM

The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has introduced measures regulating mosques (Islamic establishments) and activities in the emirate, according to state news agency WAM.

The SEC issued Decision No (23) of 2023, regarding the organisation of Islamic establishments and activities in Sharjah, and the provisions of the decision apply to all Islamic activities, mosques, public and private musallah, cemeteries and their workers in the city.

The measure includes legal articles related to regulating mosques and Islamic activities, such as restricted and prohibited acts in mosques, procedures for obtaining permits for Islamic activities, printing copies of the Holy Quran, and Islamic publications.

The decision by the SEC also includes legal articles related to regulating the construction, modification and maintenance of mosques in terms of land allocation, construction, maintenance and modification, and endowments.

In addition to regulating areas related to mosque workers, the organisation of public and private musallas, and transitional provisions that include penalties, administrative measures, judicial seizure, and others.

The SEC also discussed several plans to develop digital systems for government entities in the emirate in line with technological progress, rapid growth in all sectors, and the acceleration and provision of services by the best means.

The weekly meeting, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and deputy chairman of the SEC, discussed general governmental issues, including developing legal legislation in the emirate.

It also highlighted the progress of government work in various departments and entities and reviewed plans to provide more services to UAE citizens and residents in Sharjah.

Sharjah home to over 3,000 mosques

Meanwhile, the number of mosques in Sharjah, long celebrated as the City of Minarets, has now reached 3,092, according to the latest data from the Department of Statistics and Community Development.

The department said that the city of Sharjah, including Al Hamriyah and Abu Musa Island, is now home to 2,380 mosques, while the emirate’s central and eastern regions boast 448 and 264 mosques.

These include ancient heritage landmarks and modern mosques that have come to be recognised for their stunning engineering genius and architectural styles, ranging from Andalusian, Fatimid, and Mamluk to Ottoman, Moroccan and traditional Arabic ones.

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