Doha, Qatar: In its second Ramadan since opening to the public in early 2024, Qatar Foundation’s Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women welcomed more than 16,000 women for nightly Tarawih and Qiyam prayers. Enriched by specialised programming and social gatherings, this year’s offerings drew many new participants to the community.
“Ramadan is a time to draw closer to Allah, focus on religious practice, and strengthen our faith. It is also a time to prioritise and embrace family and community,” Dr. Sohaira Z. Siddiqui, Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah, said.
“We met familiar faces from last year and welcomed new members of the community we had not seen before. Each one of us is at a different point in our personal and religious journey but under one roof, Al-Mujadilah offers a space for all. Women from diverse backgrounds and ages gathered each night to pray together. And in their diversity, we are reminded of our membership within a wider Muslim family and the rights we have on each other.”
Al-Mujadilah once again served as a donation center for the Keswet Al Eid initiative, led by Education Above All Foundation in partnership with Qatar Red Crescent. The campaign collected new clothing and school bags as Eid gifts for children in Gaza and Syria.
Throughout Ramadan, Al Mujadilah offered a range of programmes, encouraging Muslim women to continue their ongoing learning, as well as offering opportunities to reflect on the principles and ethical insights within the Prophetic Hadith, and strengthen their connection with the Quran.
These included programmes dedicated to analysing Surah An Nissa, Surah Al Naml, and Quranic memorisation (Hifth).
Noora Al Rawahi, a PhD candidate at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), regularly attended the Intensive Hifth programme and successfully memorised Surah Al Naml.
This Ramadan was her first observance in Qatar. She strengthened her connection to the Qur’an and also developed a newfound sense of community.
“Attending the programme, which included both Quran recitation and Tadabbur – reflecting on the message of Quranic verses – boosted my confidence in memorising the Quran,” she said.
“I was able to see my progress alongside a community of women who, like me, wanted to make the most of Ramadan by strengthening our bond with the sacred verses. I now feel more connected, not only to the Quran, but also to the welcoming community here in Qatar that surrounds it.” Imam Ahmed Al Qattani led Tarawih and Qiyam prayers through the 27th night of Ramadan, with guest Imam Mohammad Al Barrak leading the congregation on the 28th and 29th nights.
The first of two post-Tarawih talks was delivered by Dr. Farid Al Hindawi – a Sharia expert within the Zakat Fund Management department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. His talk focused on the practical aspects of Zakat and was followed by a Q&A titled ‘The Essentials of Zakat’.
The second series of post-Tarawih talks was led by Sheikh Ahmad Al Dosari – an imam, lecturer, and PhD researcher. His bi-weekly ‘Ramadan Reflections’ offered religious reminders, including on the virtues of Sadaqa (voluntary acts of charity) during the Holy Month.
The 2025 spring cycle of programming at Al Mujadilah will begin in April.
