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Dubai charity web site hit by millions in West

DUBAI — The web site of the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Services was visited by millions of people from the United States and Europe during 2005.

Safia Bu Katra, Head of the Information Technology Section at the department, said that with the great success of its web site, the department has achieved one of its great objectives that cope with Dubai eGovernment’s aspirations.

She pointed out that around 3,353,404 visitors from various parts of the world benefited from the electronic services provided by the department web site during 2005.

Bu Katra said that the number of visitors to the web site increased by over 39 per cent during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid as well as other various religious occasions. The page for ‘fatwa’ (religious edict), which answers queries of Muslims from around the world was visited by more than 84,179 visitors, while the pages of prayer timings and invocation pages were visited by 90,733. Some 1,101 people browsed the Friday sermons; the prayer timings page had 4,130, while the dream interpretation page had 102 visitors during the period.

She pointed out that the number of visitors from various parts of the world benefiting from the fatwa section increased by 36 per cent during 2005. "This proves that the department could contribute to the development and success of the eGovernment," she added.

Bu Katra said that the web site also includes the department’s forum, Quran memorisation instructions, religious researches and studies, suggestions and recommendations, as well as health and computer science.

“The visitors can also listen to recitation of verses from the Holy Quran in Arabic, in addition to reading Al Diyaa, a magazine published by the Public Relation Section of the department,” she added.

Dr Ahmed Al Shaal, Scholar at Fatwa and Research Section of the department, explained that a visitor interested in having ‘fatwas’ on various issues is required to fill an online application form with necessary information on the issue. The application form will be forwarded to expert scholars who will issue the ‘fatwas’ and answer queries via e-mail, he added.

“The fatwas are issued based on the Holy Quran and Sunnah,” he said.

Dr Al Shaal pointed out that the site aims to discuss solutions on issues of concern to Muslims, consolidating ties between Islamic nations, and reflecting the true picture of Islam as a religion of tolerance.

“Spreading the right Islamic awareness, enhancing the standards of ‘dawa’ and providing social remedies through comprehensive and clear ‘fatwa’ and scientific research, while keeping in tune with the spirit of the age are considered the main objectives of the web site,” he added.

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