Doha: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, represented by the Department of Dawah and Religious Guidance, has successfully concluded its ‘Abjad’ program, a significant summer initiative focused on Qur’anic and educational development for boys aged 5 to 9. This program aimed to teach children the essentials of Arabic reading and Qur’an recitation, assist in memorizing short surahs, and instill foundational Islamic values and etiquette.
According to Qatar News Agency, the month-long course took place at three mosques: Ibrahim Hassan Al-Asmakh Mosque in Al-Thumama, Hamad bin Nasser Mosque in Hazm Al-Markhiya, and Saud bin Abdullah Al-Naqdan Mosque in Muaither Al-Janoubi. The program saw the participation of 326 students who attended regularly from Sunday to Wednesday, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The curriculum utilized the Hijaiyyah Lessons book, accredited at Qur’an learning centers, as the primary tool for teaching reading skills. Students were instructed in letter names, vowel marks, tanween, elongation, and pronunciation skills. The program categorized participants by skill level into beginner, intermediate, and advanced, covering lessons 1-2, 1-6, and 1-10, respectively. Additionally, students memorized short surahs from An-Nas to Az-Zalzalah, including essential surahs like Al-Fatihah and Ayat Al-Kursi, while also engaging in practical training for wudhu, prayer, daily supplications, and Islamic manners.
The daily schedule was a blend of educational lessons and cultural activities, featuring movement games, educational competitions with prizes, and organized field trips. These activities were designed to build skills and provide entertainment with a purpose.
The program concluded with a ceremony that celebrated the students’ achievements, where they received certificates of participation in the presence of their parents. The parents expressed gratitude for the ministry’s impactful summer initiatives.
The Department of Dawah and Religious Guidance highlighted that the ‘Abjad’ course, managed by the Qur’an and its Sciences Section, underscores the ministry’s dedication to utilizing children’s summer vacations effectively. This initiative emphasizes a blend of Qur’anic education, value-building, skill development, and purposeful recreation to nurture a generation that is well-grounded in faith, aware of its identity, and capable of merging beneficial knowledge with righteous conduct.