Qatar’s Awqaf Ministry Launches Smart “Minbar” App to Expand Reach of Friday Sermons

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), through its Department of Mosques, has unveiled a new digital platform, the “Minbar” application, designed to modernize the delivery of Friday sermons and strengthen the role of mosques in society. The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s wider digital transformation strategy, which seeks to integrate advanced technology into religious services.

Speaking on the launch, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al‑Thani, Director of the Department of Mosques, emphasized that the project reflects Awqaf’s commitment to providing reliable, accessible Islamic content. By harnessing artificial intelligence, the Friday sermon is transformed from a message confined to time and place into a continuous, interactive experience that reaches audiences in their daily lives.

The “Minbar” app introduces several innovative features. It offers AI‑powered translations of sermons into English, alongside multilingual summaries in Arabic and English, and simplified versions tailored for children. The platform also provides interactive Q&A content derived directly from sermons, helping worshippers deepen their understanding and apply lessons in practical contexts.

Beyond translation and summaries, the app enables users to watch live Friday prayers, access a comprehensive archive of past sermons, and navigate a bilingual interface in Arabic and English. These features aim to make religious content more engaging, inclusive, and widely available.

Officials noted that the application targets a broad audience, including non‑Arabic speakers, children, women, travelers, and individuals with special circumstances, while also offering non‑Muslims an opportunity to learn about Islamic values from a trusted source. Future updates will introduce AI‑based audio translation and additional interactive tools shaped by user feedback.

Awqaf stressed that “Minbar” strengthens the link between mosque messaging and digital platforms, supporting efforts to spread authentic religious knowledge, promote moderation, and enhance awareness through modern technology.

Stay tuned to QatarDay for the latest news updates!