Ulama to lecture across the UAE

ABU DHABI // Thirty respected religious leaders from 11 countries will be brought to the UAE as part of the country's Ramadan celebrations. At least five female scholars will be among them. The UAE is one of a few countries that continues the tradition of inviting the ulama, or scholars in Islamic studies, to lecture during Ramadan. They will travel throughout the Emirates, exposing worshippers to the latest learned debates on Islam.

"This year, we contacted a large number of ulama and many of them confirmed they will be joining us," said Dr Hamdan Musallam al Mazroui, the chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GEA). Dr Mohammed Mattar al Kaabi, the GEA's general manager, said: "They will provide the scholarship and enlightenment that Muslims seek." The guest list includes dignitaries such as Dr Mahmoud Zaqzouq, Egypt's minister of Islamic affairs and endowments, and Sheikh Ahmed Hassoun, Syria's mufti of the republic.

Academics from several universities, including the prominent Azhar University in Egypt, and several daiya, or Islam preachers, are also expected to lecture. The visits, a Sunni custom, were cherished by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the founder of the nation. "According to Hadith, the ulama are the inheritors of prophets. It is proven that the rise of Islam in different places and periods of history was the result of efforts by ulama, and this is how our wise leadership feels," said the GEA.

"Our late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God bless him, was always eager to meet with the ulama and sit with them and cherish their presence. He used to host ulama from all over the Arab and Muslim world during Ramadan, so as to enrich this holy month in Emirati society. We welcome the ulama, inheritors of the Prophet, in their second home, the home of learning, religion and tradition."

The ulama tradition stretches back to the time of the Prophet's death, as learned men began to develop the science of Islamic jurisprudence. They are responsible for developing Sharia law, sometimes amending it to suit changing times. The GEA is also busy with other preparations for Ramadan. On Thursday, the authority will officially open its new and expanded fatwa centre, equipped to handle up to 1,000 queries a day in three languages, including English and Urdu.

Also this week, the authority will host a training session in Ajman for the country's imams, issuing guidelines for delivering sermons and leading the traditional Taraweeh evening prayers throughout the month. @Email:[e-mail]