Manar-AL-Islam

Manar-AL-Islam
United Arab Emirates
General Authority for Islamic Affairs & Awqaf(GAIAA)
Editor in Chief
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mousa
Editorial Board
Maisara Al-Hibir
Hassan Ezat
Abdul Mu , en Da , as
Hajar Al-Awadhi
Naama Al Shaibani
Amna Al Mansori
Monthly Islamic & Cultural Magazine
Established in 1394 Hihri (1974)
Issued on 1 st day of every lunar month
By: General Authority for Islamic Affairs &
Endowments(GAIAE)
The United Arab Emirates
All correspondence to be addressed to:
Editor-in-Chief
P.O.Box 2922 Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Tel. : +971 2 6143666
Fax.: +971 2 6212484
E-mail: manarislam@gmail.com
Editing & Proof Reading
Mohammad Jamal Masri
Arabic into English
Translation
Rima Allaham, Ph.D.
Photographer
Ahmed Amin
Syed Bilal Ahmed
Opinions expressed in this
magazine are those of the
authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the editors
and the publisher.
05 08
Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan
Mosque Opens
Dear Reader, this magazine contains verses from the
Holy Quran and the Hadith of the Prophet(pbuh). Kindly
handle it with special care.
04

Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan Mosque Opens
HH Dr.Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa
Al Nahyan, the President’s Advisor,
opened Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed
Al Nahyan mosque in Al Sarouj area in
Al-Ain city. Present during the inauguration
were HE Dr.Matar Al Nuaimi,
General Manager of Al-Ain Municipality
and Mr.Abdul Aziz Al Ghaithi, Director
of GAIAE office in Al-Ain city as well as
citizens and worshippers.
The mosque is designed to accommodate
1200 persons and is fully equipped
to meet the needs of both worshippers
and mosque personnel. Building cost
was around 8 million dirhams and construction
spanned a year.
4

GAIAE Lauds the Support of Abu Dhabi Executive Council
GAIAE board of directors agreed to co-sponsor
Abu Dhabi International Sports Conference for
Special Needs this year. The board meeting, which
was presided over by HE Dr.Hamdan Musallam Al-
Mazrouei, GAIAE chairman, overviewed a report
on the religious institutions’ role in the 2021 vision.
GAIAE report was presented during Abu Dhabi
Police second meeting on Safety Education.
Furthermore, the board was briefed on the progress
of the Ministry of Justice proposed law relating
to Qur’an memorization centers. The law aims
at regulating the work of these centers so as to
improve its performance. Among the regulations
stipulated in this law are building standards, and
teachers’ qualifications.
The board was pleased with the positive feedback
on the new English website in general and English
Friday sermons in particular, noting that GAIAE
has received several letters in this regards.
On the other hand, the board was briefed on the
outcome of GAIAE meeting with officials of the
Saudi Ministry of Hajj, and GAIAE requests and
recommendations to facilitate UAE hajj for next
year. It is to be noted that Saudi officials asserted
that all needs will be studied by the authorities in
charge.
The board members overviewed mosques’ cleaning
and maintenance work performed by Musanada.
They expressed their full satisfaction with GA-
IAE mosques’ supervision, cleanliness and maintenance.
The board members lauded Abu Dhabi
Executive board for their financial support and extended
their gratitude to HH General Sheikh Mohammed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of
Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the
Armed Forces, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive
Council.
Dr.AlMazrouei, GAIAE chairman, expressed his
happiness for GAIAE website earning the full
grade in the government websites’ evaluation
conducted by the General Information Authority.
He also applauded GAIAE IT department for abiding
by website international standards.
The board members overviewed feasibility studies
for several waqf projects in Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain
and the Northern Region and costs of additional
parking spaces for certain buildings. They noted
that rents in certain areas have decreased requiring
review of some projects underway. Therefore,
the board approved GAIAE executive director’s
recommendations to update and review projects’
feasibility studies every six months.
March 2011
5

Diversified Cultural Activities
in 2011-2013
GAIAE Inaugurates
Qays bin Mohsen
Mosque in Fujairah
A workshop was recently
held by the General Authority
for Islamic Affairs and
Endowments (GAIAE) to
discuss its operational and
executive plans for the years
2010-2013. Both plans aim
at dedicating resources to
enhance religious awareness
and instill the principles
of moderation and tolerance
in society.
“GAIAE is organizing a variety
of activities to build a
comprehensive religious
culture” Mr.Mohamed Obaid
AlMazrouei, GAIAE executive
director for Islamic Affairs,
said. Religious lectures,
seminars and preaching lessons
are among the planned
activities. Mr. AlMazrouei
added “ A large variety of
topics will also be addressed
in “Afaq Imaniyya”(Religious
Horizons), television show
and two radio shows “Yastaftunaka”
(Islamic rulings) and
“Adab Annubuya” (Ethics of
the Prophet).
Diversification of religious
publications, upgrading curricula
and offering religious
contests in the Qur’an memorization
centers are among
the resolutions discussed.
Further, a variety of topics
and approaches will be followed
in the Hadith teaching
lessons and Friday sermons.
On the other hand, a campaign
with the slogan “Our
mosques reflect our values.
Let’s keep it clean.” will be
pursued in the executive plan
as well as building and maintaining
mosques and improving
Hajj and Umrah services.
A training session was conducted
during the workshop
on executive plan follow up
mechanism, priority itemization,
and setting up executive
schedules and deadlines.
GAIAE Strategic Planning
Office will assess organizational
performance, follow up
implementation of the plans
in order to prepare a report
addressing strength, weakness,
opportunities and challenges.
The report will also
include means to meet ISO
(International Organization
for Standardization) standards
taking into consideration
UAE environmental,
health and safety initiatives.
Qays bin Mohsen new
mosque in Fujairah, inaugurated
by GAIAE, accommodates
500 worshippers.
The mosque has a women
prayer room, housing for
the imam and other worshippers’
facilities.
It is worth mentioning
that another mosque built
through a charitable donation
in Al-Halah in Fujairah
was recently inaugurated
by GAIAE. The mosque
has a capacity of 1000
worshippers.
The Ministry of Public
Works’ office in the Eastern
Region completed maintenance
and additional work
on four mosques in the
Eastern Region costing
one million six hundred
thousand dirhams; comprehensive
maintenance
of Safwan bin Umayya
mosque in Sharm, expansion
of Asad bin Al Furat
grand mosque in Wadi El
Ebadalah in addition to
maintenance of Ahmad bin
Hanbal mosque in Duba
and Abu Dujana mosque
in Al Gail area in Qalba’.
6

GAIAE and Sharjah Department
of Islamic Affairs to
Strengthen Cooperation
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, chairman
of Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs
and secretary general of Awqaf General Trust,
stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation
between his department and GAIAE
in line with the UAE strategic goals and the eagerness
of the prudent leadership to achieve
excellence.
Sheikh Al Qasimi was speaking during the
meeting of the regional directors, executive
directors and directors of Islamic Affairs of
GAIAE Sharjah offices. The meeting which
was held on 6/2/2011 was attended by HE
Dr.Mohammad Matar AlKaabi, GAIAE director
general.
Sheikh Saqr conveyed the greetings of HH
Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi,
Ruler of Sharjah and HH the Crown Prince.
HE Dr.AlKaabi lauded the UAE leadership for
their interest in mosques in view of its vital societal
role.
Attendees were briefed on the achievements
of Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs. Then
UAE mosques inspectors joined the meeting to
tackle their issues, discuss inspection mechanism
and future inspection assignments.
The meeting addressed housing for imams in
the Northern Emirates and a decision to prepare
a relevant study was issued. Moreover,
the meeting approved the renewal of the interior
and the air conditioning system of some
mosques in addition to providing them with
new copies of the Holy Quran. An assessment
of the work of mosques cleaning companies in
the Northern Region was also made.
Dr.AlKaabi stressed the importance of reminding
all mosques personnel to end their vacation
leaves at least a week prior to Ramadan.
Further, the need for more muezzins for Friday
second calls to prayers was also addressed.
The implementation of last meeting’s decision
was assessed, mainly to survey all lands adjacent
to mosques to establish awqaf buildings
upon approval by the board of directors, demolish
and rebuild old mosques and update
the guide for mosque personnel.
March 2011
7

105 Mosques Built by GAIAE in 2010
and More Awqaf Projects to Come
The General Authority for
Islamic Affairs and Endowments
(GAIAE) built 105
mosques in the UAE in 2010.
Other mosque and awqaf (religious
endowments) projects
are expected to be launched
this year.
Mr.Mohamed Obaid AlMazrouei,
GAIAE executive director
for Islamic affairs, noted
that the UAE prudent leadership
keen interest in building
and preserving mosques is
reflected in GAIAE strategic
plan. GAIAE is committed
to do maintenance work on
all mosques and upgrade
their services. “To this end,
GAIAE is currently touring
mosques for inspection and
assessment of its needs”
Mr.AlMazrouei added. Further,
GAIAE has obtained design
and building permits for
several new mosques, and is
in the process of inspecting
the lands locations prior to
beginning building projects.
Mr.AlMazrouei asserted that
GAIAE makes periodical
visits to inquire about the
needs of mosques, shopping
centers prayer rooms, main
roads mosques and industrial
compounds mosques.
All needs are usually taken
into consideration and met in
accordance with GAIAE human,
financial and administrative
capabilities.
Further, GAIAE plans to renovate
some awqaf (religious
endowments) projects in Al
Ain and the Western Region.
“New awqaf projects
will be launched soon” said
Mr.Khaled AlNeyadi, GAIAE
executive director for awqaf
affairs. Indeed, tenders for
two shopping centers in
AlKasida and Asharej in Al
Ain were awarded to an engineering
consulting company.
Another consulting company
will manage the projects.
Mr.AlNeyadi said that GAIAE
has met all the requirements
to issue design and building
permits by Abu Dhabi Urban
Planning Council.
The 26.800 square meters
shopping center project is
in AlKasida in downtown Al
Ain. Its has a 7400 square
meters indoor parking. The
ground and the mezzanine
floors have a total of 6600
square meters. The shopping
center has three floors,
each has 12.800 square meters
in area. The other 12000
square meters shopping center
project is in Asharej. It has
8

a 4300 square meters indoor
parking, a 3400 square meters
commercial ground floor
and a 4300 square meters
first residential floor.
The shopping center project
in Zayed City in the Western
Region is undergoing location
assessment and is expected
to get the official approval
soon.
The General Authority for
Islamic Affairs and Endowments
(GAIAE) is updating
and upgrading the “Mosque
Lessons” book. The new edition
is expected to be available
in Ramadan.
Finally, Mr.AlMazrouei said
that GAIAE has instructed
mosques to use “safe” fridges
to avoid any electrical
shock incidents.
Abu Dhabi Mosques Undergo
Annual Maintenance
The General Authority for
Islamic Affairs and Endowments
(GAIAE) announced
that Musanada began the
annual cleaning and maintenance
works for Abu
Dhabi mosques.
To that end, a meeting
was recently held between
GAIAE, Musanada representatives
and all GAIAE
branches’ directors in Abu
Dhabi to discuss means
to improve the mechanism
of mosques’ cleaning and
maintenance. HE Mr. Mohammed
Obaid AlMazrouie,
GAIAE executive
director for Islamic affairs,
stated that Musanada in
collaboration with GAIAE
branches in Abu Dhabi is
in the process of creating a
maintenance plan for 2011.
Upon approval of the plan
and the estimated deadlines,
GAIAE will allocate
the needed funds. He also
noted that the tender for
mosques gardens’ landscaping
and maintenance
was awarded to an architectural
consulting company.
An overview of Musanada
report during the meeting
showed that Musanada
has formed 43 work teams
comprising 1800 workers
to enhance cleaning and
maintenance performance.
According to the report, the
exterior and interior cleaning
of all Abu mosques has
been completed.
March 2011
9

Dr.AlKaabi Inaugurates a Mosque in
the Western Region and Announces
Three More to Come
Upon inaugurating “Mohamad
Jathlan AlMazrouei mosque”
in Zayed City in the Western
Region, Dr.AlKaabi, GAIAE
director general, announced
that three new mosques will
be completed in few months.
He added that more mosques
will be established if needed.
Dr.AlKaabi said that GAIAE is
in the process of renovating
and upgrading the mosques
in the Western Region.
During his visit, Dr.AlKaabi
toured the mosques located
on the main roads in the Western
Region. He was accompanied
by Mr.Mohamad Obeid
AlMazrouei, GAIAE executive
director for Islamic affairs,
Mr.Sultan Zayed AlMazrouie,
GAIAE director in the Western
region in additional to several
mosque inspectors.
Dr.AlKaabi stated that his
tour reflects the UAE prudent
leadership’s keen interest in
A New Mosque for 1500 Worshippers in Ajman
AlJarf Mosque was recently
opened in Ajman. The
new house of worship was
built with a generous donation
of 6 million dirhams
from Mr.Hamad Ghanem
AlShamsi. During the inauguration
ceremony, which
was attended by a number
of worshippers, GAIAE director
of Ajman office gave
a preaching lecture on
the virtues of building and
maintaining mosques.
The mosque was built in accordance
with GAIAE standards
adopting the best
measures to rationalize
electricity consumption, and
considering environmental
issues and sustainability.
10

mosques. He added that HH
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed,
the Ruler’s Representative in
the Western Region follows
up closely all mosques’ affairs.
Further, based on its strategic
planning approved by the
cabinet, GAIAE is consistently
upgrading mosques and its
services. It is to be noted that
Dr.AlKaabi’s tour aimed at inspecting
mosques for possible
interior renovation and checking
maintenance and cleaning
services.
The new “Mohammad Jathlan
AlMazrouei mosque” accommodates
250 worshippers and
is very well equipped with all
necessary facilities and an adjacent
housing for the imam.
The mosque has a large
courtyard, a prayer hall,
a women prayer room, a
garden with a breathtaking
view, two minarets and
a dome. It has a beautiful
and distinctive exterior.
It is to be noted that
HH Sheikh Humeid bin
Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ajman
Ruler, has a keen interest
in following up all
mosques related affairs
in view of its vital societal
mission.
Antique Mosque in the Northern
Region Reopens
HE Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed
Al Qasimi, Chairman of the
Department of Islamic Affairs
in Sharjah, reopened Salim Al
Mutawa mosque in Khalidiyyah
area on Khorfakkan coast. The
antique mosque, which was
renovated, is considered the
oldest mosque in the Northern
Region.
Present during the inauguration
were Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi,
deputy director of GAIAE
office in Sharjah, Mr.Taleb Ibrahim
Al Merri, director of Islamic
Affairs Department in Sharjah,
Mr.Abdullah Suleiman Al Hammadi,
director of Islamic Affairs
Department in the Northern Region,
HE Saeed Allai ,head of
Khorfakkan Municipal Council,
Mr.Sultan Al Mansouri, director
of the Emiri Court in Khorfakkan,
Colonel Saif Zerri, director
of the Police Department in the
Northern Region and several
other officials and worshippers.
Mr.Abdullah Al Hammadi said
that the mosque was renovated
by the department of antiquities
in Sharjah to preserve its old
architectural style. New facilities
such as a wudu’ area were
built.
Mr. Al Hammadi added that this
mosque was the only one in
Khorfakkan with old architectural
design. The old palm tree
stands firm as a witness to its
old heritage. The interior roof
is made of palm trunks. The
mosque has an old Arabic style
gate and a relatively small minaret.
In view of the value of this
mosque, its picture is printed
on the five dirham bill.
A picture exhibit detailing the
history of the mosque was part
of the inauguration ceremony.
The reopening of the mosque
was an opportunity to honor retiring
Emirati imams as well as
the Department of Antiquities in
Sharjah.
March 2011
11

Speaking Bad or Good about the Dead
in Islam
Is it permissible in Islam to speak ill or good
about a dead person based on what his/her
pre-death behavior
It is allowed to speak good of a dead Muslim
based on what you notice of his good deeds or
sayings prior to passing away. We have no right
to assess his life; no one knows his/her true inner
self and true life except Allah, the Exalted. Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:”Speak of
the good things of those of you who have died
and refrain from speaking ill of them.” Indeed, predeath
good deeds or words are greatly rewarded
by Allah such as saying the two shahada (testify
that “there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad
is the Messenger of Allah”), which is required from
all dying Muslims. If the dying person is so weak
that he/she cannot utter the shahada, he/she
will still be rewarded in the afterlife as Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him, said “He whose
last words are ‘La ilaha Illa-Allah’(There is not god
but Allah) shall enter Paradise.”
In summary, if you have witnessed a good deed
or saying from a dying person, it’s recommended
to mention it. It is prohibited to speak ill of a
deceased person.
Prayer While Moving between Cities
I live in Ajman, and I intend to visit my family
in Abu Dhabi for one or two days. All of us will
go to Al Ain city for three days. I will be back in
Abu Dhabi for one day before returning home.
Is it permissible for me to offer Qasr prayer
(shortened)
You may offer Qasr prayer (two rukaat instead
of four) in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. If, however, you
decide to stay with your family for more than three
days (excluding your arrival and return days), you
will have to perform regular prayers. The same
rule applies to your stay in Al Ain.
In summary, when traveling between cities, one
may perform shortened prayer (qasr), provided
his/her stay in each city does not exceed three
days.
The Prohibition of Bribery
What is the Islamic ruling regarding bribes paid
to facilitate transactions in general and to win
tenders in particular It has become the norm
in many countries that specific commissions
must be paid to people in charge to win the
tender.
It is strictly prohibited to pay a bribe or a commission
in order to win a tender or to attain unlawful rights.
Such actions may lead to corruption and harm:
Inflict harm on the project owner as the winning
company may not be qualified to execute the
tender.
Harm other bidders, especially those whose
work may be of a higher standard. Undeserving
persons are given chances and deserving one
are passed over.
Has a social and religious impact; the norms
become the rules with no respect to religious
ordinances and ethics. The spirit of greed
permeates the society in place of the spirit of
dutifulness.
Encourage employees to perform unethical acts
and betray their employers.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:”Allah has
cursed the bribed one and the one who bribes.”
In summary, bribery is strictly forbidden in
Islam due to its harmful and unethical social and
economic impact.
March 2011
13

Treating an Ill Relative from Zakat
Money
Our deceased sister left money for Zakat
payment. We have another sister who is in
need for surgery and cannot afford it. Is it
acceptable to cover surgery cost from Zakat
money
In general, an ill person who cannot afford health
care expenses is entitled to zakat money. Zakat
money is usually given to the poor. If poverty is
combined with illness, he/she should be given
priority in zakat distribution.
Therefore, your ill and destitute sister may cover
her treatment expenses from zakat money. Please
be advised, dear brother, that relatives are always
given priority in zakat or any charitable money.
Allah knows best.
In summary, your deceased sister left money for
zakat. Your ill and poor sister is eligible for zakat
money to cover her treatment expenses.
Buying Forged University Degree
My father wants me to buy a forged university
degree from abroad. He told me that he made
Istikhara prayer and he felt good about it. Is
this act permissible
It is strictly prohibited to buy a forged university
degree for the sake of pleasing your father. It is an
act of fraud and cheating, Cheating and deception
are despicable characteristics that are beneath a
decent person. Accepting the guidance of Islam
leads a person to truthfulness, which means a
person completely avoids cheating. The Prophet
of Islam said “Anyone who cheats us is not one of
us,” Even if your father encourages you to cheat,
be aware that cheating is a heinous sin this is
denounced in Islam. Even your father is bound to
give you wrong advice, thus deceive you.
Therefore, A Muslim who has true Islamic
sensitivities avoids deceit, cheating, treachery,
and lying no matter what benefits or profits such
activities might bring him, because Islam consider
those guilty of such deeds to be hypocrites.
In summary, your father is pushing you to cheat
and it is a wrong advice. A Muslim should value
himself/herself too highly to be among those who
cheat.
Islam and the People of the Book
(Jews and Christians)
What is the relations with People of the Book
in Islam
Even though Islam is the true and final message
of Allah, Muslims must be tolerant and moderate
with followers of other divine messages. In no
way Muslims are to force anyone to believe or
to become Muslim. Men are free to do whatever
they want and they are held to account for their
deeds only by Allah, the Exalted, who says in the
Holy Quran:”There is no compulsion in religion.
Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the
wring path.”(2:256). The attitude of Muslims in the
Qur’an towards the people of the book (Jews and
Christians) is prescribed in the following manner:”
And do not argue with the People of the Book
except with the best means, unless it be with those
of them who transgress: But say:” We believe in
the revelation which has come down to us and in
which came down to you: Our God and Your God
is one, and it is unto Him we submit ourselves as
Muslims.” (29:46).
We are living at a time in which people of different
beliefs, nations, colors and ethnic origins live side
by side in a global village. Islam calls for all people
to live peacefully with each other whatever their
differences might be.” O mankind! We created you
14

from a (pair of a male and a female, and made you
into nations and tribes that you may know each
other.”(49:13).
In summary, Islam tolerates and respects
followers of non-Islamic religions. Contrary to the
popular belief, Islam spread in a peaceful way.
Islam, Violence and Extremism
How does Islam view violence and
extremism
Violence and extremism are in complete
opposition to the essence of Islam. Islam is based
on peace, mercy, and goodness. Indeed, peace
is the greeting of Muslims amongst themselves.
Violence and extremism in all its forms are strictly
prohibited. In the Holy Quran, Allah, the Exalted,
calls for moderation and tolerance:”Thus We have
made you an Ummah (nation) justly balanced,
that you might be witness over the nations, and the
Messenger a witness over yourselves.”(2:143).
Any religious dialogue with non-Muslims must be
based on presenting the truth to them in the best of
ways. The Prophet (pbuh) is told that his primary
task is only to convey the message, that he is only
a reminder, that he cannot force people to accept
the faith and that he must invite people to the way of
Allah with wisdom and good admonition. Muslims
are prohibited from arguing with the people of the
book except in the best of ways.
Furthermore, Islam urges Muslims to meet any
wrong with kindness in hope that enemy may
become a friend” Nor can Goodness and Evil be
equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he
between whom and you was hatred, become as it
were friend and intimate! (41:34).
Islam condemns fanatism and extremism. In fact
Islam considers an attack on one single person,
an act on all mankind:”If anyone slew a person –
unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief
in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole
people.”(5:32).
In summary, Islam is a faith of mercy and tolerance
that advocates justice and peace. Islam also
preserves and safeguards man’s freedom, honor
and dignity. Islamic rulings and principles aim at
safeguarding human rights, which include every
human’s right to live in peace and security, and
practice one’s religious beliefs.
PRAYING Five Times a Day
Why do Muslims pray five times a day
Praying five times a day is considered the second
most important of Islam’s five pillars, after professing
that “There is no god but Allah and that the Prophet
Muhammad is Allah’s messenger.”
Muslim considers prayer to be a spiritual and
physical act, with various standing, bending, and
prostrating postures symbolizing devotion to Allah.
As human beings we have a physical body, an
intellect and a spirit and the ritual prayers involve
all three of those aspects. The five prayers are
continuous reminders of Allah. At fixed intervals, no
matter how busy, all of a sudden Muslim takes a
few minutes to remember Allah. Allah, the Exalted,
says in the Holy Quran:” And Perform prayer. Verily,
the prayer prevents from great sins of every kind,
unlawful acts, disbelief, polytheism, and every kind
of evil deeds.”(29:45). Prophet Muhammad once
asked one of his companions:”Tell me if there was
a river at your door step in which you washed five
times a day, would any of your dirt remain.” He then
said:”That is like the five times prayer with which
Allah wipes out sins.”
In summary, Salah (prayer) is the direct contact or
link between the worshipper and Allah, the Exalted.
It builds a strong defense against evil.
March 2011
15