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CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: PROF. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Views /Editorial

Towards measurable social impact

Published: 14 Apr 2026 - 09:17 am | Last Updated: 14 Apr 2026 - 09:17 am

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs’ 2025 outcomes mark more than just a successful year as they signal a deeper transformation in how religious institutions can shape modern societies. 

By moving decisively from planning frameworks to measurable societal impact, the Ministry has positioned itself at the intersection of tradition and progress, aligning religious work with the broader ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030.

What stands out most is not the scale of activity but the shift in mindset. For years, success in religious outreach was often measured by volume that how many sermons delivered, lectures held, or programmes organised. 

In 2025, that paradigm changed. The Ministry has embraced a more meaningful question: what difference are these efforts actually making in people’s lives? This pivot toward evaluating behavioural change, knowledge acquisition, and value formation reflects a maturity in governance that prioritises outcomes over optics.

The numbers still matter, of course. Delivering over 111,000 religious lessons and reaching more than half a million people is not a small achievement. But their real significance lies in what they represent which is a structured, institutional approach to shaping public consciousness. In a rapidly evolving society where tradition and modernity constantly interact, such efforts help anchor communities in shared values while fostering adaptability.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani said the 2025 results demonstrate a qualitative leap in performance. “The Ministry has successfully transitioned from planning to implementation and impact measurement, ensuring that its religious, educational, endowment, and social programmes are closely aligned with community needs and assessed against defined benchmarks.”

Equally notable is the Ministry’s emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Upgrading mosques to accommodate people with disabilities and expanding digital and community outreach channels demonstrate a recognition that religious engagement must evolve alongside societal needs. 

The role of the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre further reinforces this vision. Its extensive outreach to non-Arabic speakers highlights Qatar’s unique demographic reality and its commitment to coexistence. By prioritising dialogue, language education, and cultural exchange, the centre has transformed religious outreach into a bridge between communities rather than a one-directional message.

Dr. Sheikh Khalid added that the Ministry’s extensive outreach system, encompassing thousands of sermons, lessons, and programmes that reached hundreds of thousands, illustrates how a structured and institutionally-driven religious discourse can strengthen value systems, raise awareness, and reinforce national identity.

By embedding religious work within a broader framework of social development, the Ministry is redefining its role in national life. It is no longer just a custodian of tradition but an active contributor to building a cohesive, confident, and forward-looking society.