The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Qatar has launched a new category within the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Endowment Award specifically for imams, preachers, and muezzins employed by the ministry. This initiative, announced in Doha, aims to bolster the scholarly contributions of mosque leaders and enhance their role in community development. The new award category underscores Qatar’s commitment to religious scholarship and societal well-being.
The announcement, made through the Department of Islamic Research and Studies in cooperation with the Department of Mosques, represents a significant investment in the intellectual capacity of religious figures within Qatar. According to ministry officials, the award is designed to encourage research and practical application of Islamic principles to address contemporary social issues. The first cycle of the award is now open for submissions.
Strengthening the Role of Imams Through Research
Sheikh Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani, Director of the Department of Islamic Research and Studies, emphasized the importance of this addition to the ministry’s existing cultural and academic programs. He stated that the award seeks to leverage the accumulated knowledge of imams and preachers to facilitate positive community change. This initiative aligns with a broader effort to cultivate what the Department of Mosques terms the “educational imam,” capable of addressing complex family, social, and educational challenges.
The focus on research is intended to move beyond traditional sermon delivery and into the realm of evidence-based solutions. The ministry hopes to see research findings translated into impactful Friday sermons, religious lessons, and public awareness campaigns. This approach reflects a growing trend in utilizing scholarly expertise to address real-world problems within Muslim communities.
Award Focus: Value Security in Muslim Society
The inaugural theme for the award is “Value Security in Muslim Society,” a topic chosen for its relevance to contemporary challenges. Dr. Suleiman Al-Qahtani, Director of the Department of Mosques, explained that the award is a deliberate attempt to harness the academic potential of religious leaders in tackling issues affecting Qatari society. The theme will be explored through five key areas: the theoretical foundations of value security, the historical role of mosques in education, the responsibilities of religious leaders, practical methods for safeguarding values, and contemporary challenges posed by media and societal influences.
This focus on value security reflects broader concerns about preserving cultural identity and moral principles in a rapidly changing world. The ministry believes that imams and preachers are uniquely positioned to guide communities through these transitions. Additionally, the award aims to promote a deeper understanding of Islamic values and their application to modern life.
Participation is limited to imams, preachers, and muezzins currently employed by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Submissions must be original research papers, prepared specifically for the award, and adhere to rigorous academic standards. All papers must be written in Arabic, with abstracts provided in both Arabic and English. The total prize pool is QR100,000, distributed among the top three winners. Related research areas, such as Islamic ethics and community development, may also be relevant for future cycles.
However, the award’s limited scope – restricting participation to ministry employees – may constrain the diversity of perspectives. While this ensures alignment with the ministry’s objectives, it also means valuable insights from independent scholars or community leaders will not be considered. Meanwhile, the requirement for Arabic-language submissions, while understandable given the context, could potentially exclude qualified individuals who are not fluent in the language.
The deadline for submitting research papers is January 1, 2027. The ministry will then review the submissions and announce the winners at a later date. The outcome of this first cycle will likely inform future iterations of the award, potentially expanding the scope or adjusting the thematic focus. The success of this initiative will be measured by the quality of the research produced and its tangible impact on community programs and social discourse within Qatar. Read more about the award here.
