United Arab Emirates, Dubai, May 30, 2019

The Dubai Islamic and Charitable Activities Department has organized 248 Iftaa sessions during the holy month of Ramadan, benefiting more than 12000 people. This was a part of the agenda of Ramadan Dubai held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. 

The sessions targeted the employees of some government institutions and worshippers in Dubai to achieve the objectives of Ramadan Dubai by establishing partnerships with government departments and by encouraging them to organize interactive educational programs for employees and customers during the holy month. Ramadan Dubai also seeks to disseminate the values of Islam and promote the spirit of tolerance among citizens and residents from various Arab and foreign communities, and to raise awareness on the most important issues and their Shari'a rulings. 

Mr. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Charity Work Sector at  IACAD, General Coordinator of Ramadan Dubai, said: 'A full program has been prepared before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which is based on organizing the Fatwa sessions covering various places in the Emirate of Dubai, either through mosques or in coordination with some government departments. A team of Mufti from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has been appointed to clarify and explain the various Shari'a provisions pertaining to general religious issues, especially the month of Ramadan, in order to overcome all difficulties of the people who are fasting and to answer their questions and queries to the fullest extent. Through the organization of these sessions, the Department seeks to educate the public about the Shari'a rulings in various areas of life from reliable sources, so that people cannot receive false Fatwas and they can avoid resorting to incorrect ideas.'

The sessions have been distributed to most of the emirate's mosques, including Al-Rashidiya Al-Kabir Mosque, Sheikha Hind Mosque, Union Coop Mosque in Al-Barsha , and Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque, as well as to government departments including Dubai Courts, Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, Dubai Taxi, and the Department of Finance. A special session for women was also held in cooperation with the Community Development Authority.

The Muftis of Islamic Affaires presented their sessions in different languages, in Arabic, English, Urdu, Persian and Pashtu. They also addressed a wide range of Fatwas on various issues, including Fatwas on fasting, zakat al-Fitr, judgement on one who fasts but does not pray, and ruling on delayed zakaat al-fitr. A large number of the public expressed their satisfaction with these meetings and the extent to which they benefited from them. They also expressed their appreciation to Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department for their efforts to organize activities hugely benefiting Muslims in their every day lives.