Qatar Hosts 10th GCC Ministers Meeting on Islamic Affairs and Endowments. Doha, Qatar: In a significant move to bolster regional collaboration, the State of Qatar, through its Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, took the lead in the 10th meeting of Ministers of Islamic Affairs and Endowments from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. The high-profile event, held in Doha, emphasized enhancing religious cooperation and collective action among the member states.
Qatar Hosts 10th GCC Ministers Meeting on Islamic Affairs and Endowments
The session was presided over by Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H.E. Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim, with esteemed participation from GCC Ministers and key officials. Qatar’s representation was further strengthened by the presence of H.E. Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Also attending was GCC Secretary General H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
World Day for Endowments: A New Initiative
Among the major points discussed at the gathering was the proposal to declare a World Day for Endowments, a significant step toward showcasing the vital role of endowments in supporting social and religious causes globally. This initiative reflects the region’s commitment to preserving Islamic traditions while adapting to modern-day challenges.
Additionally, the ministers focused on establishing a Gulf scientific observatory. This observatory will serve as a platform for presenting the true, tolerant image of Islam, countering misconceptions, and promoting peaceful coexistence across communities. The ministers stressed the importance of demonstrating Islam’s compassionate nature, particularly in the face of rising global Islamophobia.
Highlighting Joint Action and Religious Cooperation
In his opening address, Minister Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim emphasized that the meeting in Doha is a continuation of ongoing efforts among GCC nations to reinforce joint actions. He stated that the collective cooperation between the ministries is pivotal in addressing religious affairs, highlighting that such meetings help consolidate the diverse specializations and fields within the region’s religious institutions.
The minister further stressed the role of the ministries in promoting the authentic image of Islam. He spoke of the need to address campaigns of hatred and fanaticism and demonstrate how the Islamic faith can interact positively with contemporary global developments. This includes modernizing the internal systems within these religious institutions to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Tackling Critical Issues: Palestine, Gaza, and Regional Peace
One of the central themes of the meeting was the shared responsibility of GCC countries in advocating for Islam and Muslims worldwide. The Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs spoke passionately about the ongoing plight of occupied Palestine, specifically focusing on Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque. He reaffirmed the importance of Muslims’ right to access the holy mosque for worship and condemned the continuous attacks that threaten the peace and sanctity of the region.
He further addressed the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, lamenting the continued brutality and destruction caused by the conflict over the past year. The minister urged for a collective GCC effort to raise awareness, advocate for justice, and support the Palestinian cause, highlighting the need for comprehensive peace in the region. Similar concerns were raised regarding the escalating tensions in the West Bank and Lebanon, with a call for practical steps to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
Environmental and Social Responsibilities of Islamic Institutions
In addition to the religious and political themes, the ministers underscored the responsibility of Islamic institutions in addressing a range of social issues. These include the care of people with disabilities, protection of families, preservation of historical and archaeological mosques, and the ministries’ active role in environmental protection.
The discussion also covered the ministries’ contributions to endowments, mosques, advocacy efforts, and research and related studies, which are central to their religious and social missions. The ministers agreed that these regular meetings are essential for increasing coordination and cooperation across these fields, ensuring that the ministries play an active and effective role in addressing contemporary challenges.
Minister Al Ghanim stated, “We look forward with full awareness and understanding to work and interact positively and effectively on the issues of Islam and Muslims, foremost among which is the issue of occupied Palestine, the city of Jerusalem, and the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque.”
A Path Forward for GCC Islamic Cooperation
The gathering concluded on a hopeful note, with GCC Secretary General H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praising the committee’s accomplishments since its establishment. He highlighted how these meetings have fostered stronger integration and collaboration in Islamic affairs and endowments across the GCC nations. By continuing to share expertise and experiences, the member states can ensure the sustained development and modernization of Islamic institutions.
As Qatar successfully hosted this landmark event, the future of Islamic cooperation in the Gulf appears strong. The initiatives discussed, such as the World Day for Endowments and the creation of a Gulf scientific observatory, set a promising foundation for continued collaboration, growth, and the promotion of Islam’s true, peaceful essence on the global stage.
This 10th GCC meeting of Islamic Affairs Ministers in Doha represents not just a reaffirmation of shared values and goals but also a renewed commitment to addressing both regional and global challenges through the lens of Islamic cooperation. The discussions initiated at this meeting will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the religious, social, and political landscape of the GCC and beyond.