Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs recently honored the winners of the sixth annual “Waqf & Image” photography competition at a ceremony held in Al Waab. The event recognized talented photographers who captured compelling images related to the concept of waqf, or Islamic endowment, and its impact on communities. The ministry has also announced the launch of the seventh edition of the competition, beginning this November.
Undersecretary of the Ministry, Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani, and Director General of the General Directorate of Endowments, Eng. Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, presented certificates of appreciation to the 30 winning photographers, each featuring their award-winning work. A total of QR 203,000 in prizes was awarded to participants from 21 countries, highlighting the competition’s growing international reach.
The Significance of Waqf and the Photography Competition
Waqf, a cornerstone of Islamic social finance, has historically played a vital role in supporting education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. According to the Ministry, the “Waqf & Image” competition aims to creatively showcase this enduring legacy and its relevance to modern sustainable development goals. The competition serves as a platform to visually communicate the positive impact of endowments.
Eng. Hassan Al Marzouqi emphasized the historical importance of waqf in bolstering various societal sectors. He noted that the competition, funded by the Scientific and Cultural Development Endowment Fund, aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainable growth and a knowledge-based economy. This connection underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging Islamic principles for national progress.
Competition Themes and Participation
The seventh edition of the photography contest will feature two categories. The international category will focus on “Sustainability,” encouraging photographers to depict the environmental and social aspects of enduring charitable giving. The local category will offer two themes: “Sustainability” and “Collective Action,” reflecting Qatar’s own initiatives and achievements in these areas.
The themes were chosen to reflect both Islamic principles and Qatar’s commitment to global sustainability indicators, the Directorate stated. The inclusion of “Collective Action” acknowledges the importance of community involvement in achieving sustainable outcomes. The competition attracted 655 photographers from around the globe in its previous iteration, demonstrating its appeal to a diverse range of artists.
Recognizing the 2024 Winners
The 2024 winners, representing a variety of nationalities and perspectives, were celebrated for their artistic merit and their ability to convey the essence of waqf. Notable international winners included Mohamed Hossam from Egypt and Hussein Ali Abdul Latif from Saudi Arabia in the “Journey of Knowledge” category. Local winners in the same category included Manjari Sakina and Saeed Al Marri.
The “Scientific Landmarks” category within the local competition saw recognition for photographers like Mohamed Al Yafie and Noha Ibrahim Hamed. These images likely showcased institutions or projects supported by waqf funds that contribute to scientific advancement within Qatar. The winning photographs will likely be featured in exhibitions and publications promoting the work of the General Directorate of Endowments.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs’ commitment to initiatives like the “Waqf & Image” competition highlights the growing recognition of Islamic social finance as a tool for positive change. The competition also fosters artistic expression and cultural understanding around the concept of waqf. Related areas of interest include Islamic finance and charitable giving.
Looking ahead, the deadline for submissions to the seventh edition of the “Waqf & Image” photography competition is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The Ministry will likely continue to promote the competition internationally to encourage broader participation and showcase the global impact of waqf. The selection process and criteria for judging will be key factors to watch as the competition progresses.
