Algerian minister praises Fanar efforts to promote Islamic culture, heritage

MINISTER of Religious Affairs and Endowments of Algeria Youssef Belmahdi has lauded the efforts of the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre (Fanar) at the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs in introducing the Islamic culture and Qatari heritage and providing awareness programmes to Qatar’s residents and visitors in multiple languages. During his visit, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre’s General Manager Dr Saleh bin Ali Al Marri introduced the centre’s departments and the nature of its work to the minister.

He also gave an introduction to the heritage hall and how it presents Qatar’s heritage to visitors, as well as the main cultural hall in the centre, which presents a comprehensive understanding of Islam and Muslims. He noted the importance of the cultural elements and quality of visual and spatial presentation when learning about the Islamic culture. The Algerian minister appreciated the efforts made by Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for the cultural messages presented at the opening and closing ceremonies of the tournament and all the accompanying efforts made.

As part of the centre’s programmes, it organised visitation to the Imam Mohammed Bin Abdul Wahab Mosque, which was attended by 212 people from various nationalities, including English, Spanish and Russian. The participants learned about the mosque’s landmarks, religious rituals and its most prominent roles in the Muslim community.

Seventeen students from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) also visited the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre, where they learned about the features of Islamic culture and Qatari heritage. The centre also organised a programme to teach new converts in the presence of 199 converts in the three branches of the centre: the main headquarters, the industrial branch, and Al Khor branch, coming in line with the Centre’s interest to provide converts with the best programs and knowledge that suit their needs.