Doha: Al-Raya newspaper reports that the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) in Qatar is advancing its efforts to integrate technology and artificial intelligence in religious outreach, enhancing the impact and accessibility of Islamic discourse. The newspaper highlights the launch of the "Minbar" application, a smart digital tool designed to transform the traditional Friday sermon into an interactive and continuous experience, thereby extending the mosque's role beyond its physical confines and enabling the delivery of meaningful religious messages throughout society.
According to Qatar News Agency, the "Minbar" app is part of the Ministry's commitment to using technology to provide reliable Islamic content. It includes features such as AI-powered translation of sermons into English, multilingual summaries, and interactive content, ensuring that the message is accessible to diverse audiences, including children, non-Arabic speakers, and individuals with disabilities. The initiative is aimed at promoting a moderate understanding of Islam, reinforcing societal values, and addressing the intellectual and social challenges of rapid digital transformation.
The editorial underscores that the significance of the "Minbar" initiative extends beyond its technological aspects, serving broader societal goals by fostering a more inclusive understanding of religion and enhancing ethical systems. It also emphasizes the Ministry's dedication to reaching all segments of society, making religious content available anytime and anywhere, and building a more informed community committed to Islamic values.
In related developments, Al-Arab newspaper discusses Qatar's broader efforts in integrating artificial intelligence into various sectors, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. The nation has achieved top global rankings in digital infrastructure, with secure systems and high mobile internet speeds. Acknowledged by the United Nations for its digital agenda, Qatar is fostering partnerships, such as the Qatar-Korea Artificial Intelligence Forum, to further its digital transformation strategy and enhance competitiveness.
The Peninsula newspaper adds that the Shura Council's focus on infrastructure, renewable energy, and resource security highlights the strategic importance of sustainability in economic resilience and social stability. The transition to cleaner energy, particularly solar, is increasingly seen as a necessity rather than an option, reflecting a shift in policy towards embedding sustainability within infrastructure planning.