New UAE Law Regulating Mosques and Prayer Spaces

New UAE Law Regulating Mosques and Prayer Spaces

The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the Federal Law No 4 of 2018 (the “Law”) which applies to mosques, private and public prayer spaces, and Eid Mussalas in the UAE. It provides regulations for the care and organization of these institutions. These provisions have been published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette.

Local Authority

According to this law, the authority of local authority concerned with the affairs of the mosque is also responsible for the naming of the mosques and may consent to designate the mosque according to the donor’s wishes. The name used cannot be reused for another mosque in the same city without the approval of the body or concerned authority.

The concerned authority is also responsible for

1.  The provision and supervision of the needs of the mosques and its prayer spaces;
2. The timings for the call to prayer; Iqamah (the second call to prayer); organizing religious lectures, lessons, or events as well as preparing the sermons; and
3.  The dates for the opening and closing of mosques as well as the rules and conditions of I’tikaaf (time for spiritual seclusion in the mosque).

Licensing

The new Law requires prior licensing for the following activities-

1. Hosting lectures and sermons;
2. Organizing seminars within the mosques;
3. Conducting Quran memorization circles;
4. Collecting donations or other aid;
5. Assigning or appointing any person on a temporary or permanent position to hold or organize any religious or social events;
6. Distribute books, leaflets, video or audio recordings;
7. Bringing food to the mosque;
8. Belonging to any illegal group or carry out any political or organizational activities.

Prohibitions

1. The law prohibits the act of begging in mosques or any other activity that would disrupt the sanctity and security of the mosque and prayer spaces
2. The Law prohibits any employee of the mosque from

1. ­   Preaching and recitation, or teach religious lessons, or run Quran Memorization activities outside the Mosques;
2. ­   Involving oneself in entities authorized in participate in any media activities without prior permission from the Competent Authority;
3. ­   Collect donations or financial or any form of in-kind assistance for third parties; or
4. ­   Belonging to any illegal group or carry out any political or organizational activities.

Candidacy Eligibility

The law stipulates the following eligibility criteria for employment in the mosques

1. should be an Emirati of good conduct;
2.  possess all the required academic qualifications as accredited by the concerned government departments;
3.  pass requisite tests and be medically fit
4.  have no prior records of arrest, citation or criminal record in felonies or misdemeanors relating to honor or personal integrity, unless cleared of the charges;

In the absence of Emirati candidates, the residents who meet the above-mentioned conditions and requirements may be appointed to the vacant positions.