“Founded in 1969. Imagine that.” That’s what Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum might have said when he established what we know today as the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. It began as the Department of Awqaf. Its initial role was to manage endowments in Dubai according to Islamic Shariah.
Now standing before the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, one can appreciate its evolution. It is more than just an administrator of endowments. Over the years, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department’s functions expanded significantly.
In 1994, Law No. 7 broadened its scope. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department took on new responsibilities. These included establishing and supervising Holy Quran Memorization Centers. It began caring for mosques and overseeing their operations. Licensing charitable associations and Islamic institutions also fell under its purview. These institutions’ administrative, financial, and cultural affairs came under the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department’s supervision.
Today, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, or IACAD, plays a vital role. It draws up general policies for Islamic affairs and charitable work in Dubai. This is per Law No. 2 of 2011. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department spreads Islamic knowledge. It develops Islamic religious awareness.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department supervises religious recordings and publications. It authorizes curricula and prepares the Hijri calendar. Licensing charitable societies and Islamic centers is another key function. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department also oversees Islamic research centers.
But there is still more. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department licenses private mosques. It also licenses Islamic celebrations and religious competitions. All this highlights the Islamic religion’s advantages. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department coordinates Hajj and Umrah affairs. It raises awareness of Zakat, donations, and charity.
IACAD seeks to be a leader in religious and charitable guidance. It values honesty, devotion, and transparency. You can even access eServices on the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department’s website. These include fatwa guidance and a list of Dubai mosques. You can also find prayer times and information on religious holidays.
Think of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department as a vital hub. It connects the community with Islamic culture and values. It ensures these values are upheld and promoted throughout Dubai. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department is available 24/7. It is ready to assist with religious inquiries and provide guidance.