Officials with a group of students who participated in an awareness session.
Doha, Qatar: The Islamic Network, under the Department of Da’wah and Religious Guidance at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, has conducted a series of educational lectures and awareness workshops for more than 400 children and young people participating in summer programmes at several sports clubs.
The programmes, held during the current summer season, took place at the summer centres of Al Rayyan, Qatar, Al Gharafa and Al Arabi sports clubs and targeted participants aged between 6 and 18.
The activities included a workshop titled “Optimal Use of Electronic Devices”, as well as introductory lectures on the Islamic Network and its range of digital services.
The workshop introduced participants to electronic devices that have become part of everyday life, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart televisions, electronic gaming devices and smartwatches. It highlighted their benefits and encouraged participants to use them for learning, gaining knowledge, developing skills and supporting various aspects of daily life.
The sessions also focused on developing healthy technology habits, managing time effectively, protecting physical and mental wellbeing, and maintaining family and social relationships. Participants were warned against excessive use of electronic devices, which can negatively affect academic performance, family communication and everyday behaviour.
Lecturers also discussed the responsibilities of young people when using technology. They stressed that technology is a blessing that should be used in ways that benefit individuals and society.
Among the key principles highlighted were observing prayers on time and giving them priority over device use, respecting and obeying parents regarding screen-time arrangements, avoiding wasting time, lowering one’s gaze and staying away from inappropriate content, respecting others and avoiding cyberbullying, protecting people’s privacy, and using technology to spread knowledge, positive values and beneficial content.
The programme also introduced the “Muslim’s Charter for Using Electronic Devices,” which promotes responsibility, honesty and self-discipline when dealing with technology.
The sessions concluded with a message stressing that a good student should maintain the same moral character when using a mobile device or entering the wider online world, remaining honest and trustworthy before God and in dealings with others.
As part of the programme, the Islamic Network also hosted 30 participants from Al Arabi Sports Club’s summer centre at its headquarters. During the visit, the participants learned about the network’s mission, objectives and digital services.
Omar Aqla Al-Ruwaili, Head of the Islamic Network Department, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of such visits in strengthening engagement with young people and introducing them to reliable online sources that combine knowledge with authentic Islamic values.
He also praised the summer centres for providing quality programmes that contribute to developing young people’s personalities and raising their awareness.
