Awareness campaign against the misuse of mosque parking lots launched
Qatar, being an Islamic state has a great number of mosques in it. You’d find that every other lane or so will have its own Masjid in this country.
While not all mosques are huge constructions, the country also takes great pride in some astonishingly beautiful mosques and Masjids.
However, in such a country as Qatar, it’s expected for all residents to make use of mosques and their premises without selfishness and with utmost care. This includes the car parks of the Masjids as well.
Recently, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) launched a six month awareness campaign educating the public on not using the mosque parking lots during non-prayer hours.
Gulf Times reports that after six months when the campaign is over the Traffic Department will issue violations for those who misuse the mosque parking lots.
Mohamed bin Hamad al-Kuwari, Awqaf director of mosques department, said that such a move is aimed at preserving the sanctity of mosques and their attached facilities.
He further explained, "It has been noticed that some people park their cars in the parking lots of mosques and then go on long leave, while some even park their boats or portacabins there, and some companies park their buses and trucks.”
Al-Kuwari also said, "Such misuse of the parking lots of mosques deprives the faithful from their right to an easy access to a parking lot by the mosque while performing prayers.”
The awareness campaign’s efforts and activities will include various sermons and religious lessons at mosques, and through posters, brochures and the use of media to reach out to the largest number of people. Besides, those supervising the mosques will monitor the situation and report any violations.
It has also been noted by the Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Radi al-Hajri, MoI director of traffic awareness and media department,that the awareness campaign will turn out to be a huge success and the misuse of mosque parking will very soon be something of the past.
(Cover image courtesy: GiardQatar)
The simple fact is that people will park where they can. Nothing will change unless the authorities take strict action against the offenders
specially people who are coming for Maghrib, Esha and Fajr prayers are affecting by this... illegal parking....
we have this serious problem at the dafna masjid right in front of the Ezdan Tower or the newly constructed QP office buildings
during prayer times, you need to park the cark at your own risk or in front of already parked cars since the QP contractors are occupying that space completely
All very good. Why not just tow away the vehicles and fine the owners?