Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi Launches "Prophet’s Neighbours" Endowment

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

On Monday, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council, officially launched the "Prophet’s Neighbours" endowment project. This project was introduced by the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation and is dedicated to supporting orphans. The project is located in the Aljada area of Sharjah.

Project Overview and Vision

During the event, His Highness received a full presentation about the project. He learned about the location and the plans for the endowment facility. The land for this project, which covers 932 square meters, was generously given by His Highness himself. A multi-storey building, covering 13,835 square meters, will be built on the site. The building will have 15 floors and 75 residential apartments. The income generated from this project will be used to support orphans and other beneficiaries. His Highness was also informed about other endowment projects by the Foundation and the different ways that people can contribute to these efforts.

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Official Launch of the Project

To officially start the project, His Highness pressed a special button that marked the beginning of this important initiative. The revenues from the building will go towards funding humanitarian projects that improve the lives of orphans. A visual presentation was also shown to the guests to highlight the benefits of the project.

Ruler Announces Personal Contribution

In his speech, His Highness congratulated everyone on the successful launch of the project and announced that he would personally fund the first endowment, with a generous contribution of AED 40 million. He encouraged others to also donate to similar projects, saying that he would offer more land to the Foundation in the future. His Highness praised the hard work and dedication of the Foundation’s staff.

A Special Message to Orphans

Addressing the orphans supported by the Foundation, His Highness urged them to prioritize their education. He reassured them that all educational paths, from school to university, would be available to them. He encouraged them not to be distracted and to focus on learning, assuring them that they would have job opportunities once they completed their education. He said, “We are with you, and before God, we have accepted this responsibility.”

Encouraging Youth Centres Participation

His Highness also emphasized the importance of youth and children's centres. He encouraged the orphans to take part in these centres’ activities. These centres, which are found in Sharjah, aim to help young people grow both physically and intellectually.

A Call to Protect the Environment

At the end of his speech, His Highness made a call for more attention to the environment, particularly the care and planting of trees. He reminded everyone that trees play a vital role in sustaining life and purifying the air. He said, “A tree is like a mother who nurtures her children. So we say: take care of the tree, do not step on it, because in doing so, you step on life. The tree gives us life. We ask each of you to plant and care for a tree. Be a friend to the tree.”

Heartwarming Interaction with Orphans

Before the event ended, His Highness took the time to personally greet each of the orphans supported by the Foundation. The orphans were deeply thankful for His Highness’s care and support. He also posed for group photos with them to commemorate the event.

Sheikha Jameela’s Praise for His Highness’s Leadership

In a recorded speech, Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, praised His Highness for his thoughtful and compassionate leadership. She said, “The words of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi continue to inspire hearts and minds. His meeting with the orphans today, and his supportive words, will remain a lasting motivation for them to pursue education and become agents of positive change.”

She added, “His Highness greeted each child personally, asked about their wellbeing, and spoke with them as a loving father. Their eyes reflected hope and dreams, comforted by a nurturing environment and the presence of a caring leader.”

Empowering Orphans with Sustainable Support

Sheikha Jameela also mentioned that the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation has always worked to help orphans gain confidence and ensure they have a bright future. She described the "Prophet’s Neighbours" project as a noble initiative that marks the start of many more efforts to help orphans. Sheikha Jameela also mentioned a Quranic verse that His Highness referred to during the project’s launch: "And let the competitors compete." This verse encourages people to compete in doing good deeds to earn lasting rewards.

Significance of the Project’s Name

The name "Prophet’s Neighbours" was chosen based on a saying (Hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “The one who cares for an orphan, whether his own or someone else’s, will be with me in Paradise like this,” and he pointed with his index and middle fingers. This shows how highly orphan care is regarded in Islam, promising that those who care for orphans will be close to the Prophet in Paradise.

Flexible Ways to Contribute

The Foundation is offering official waqf (endowment) certificates to all those who contribute to the "Prophet’s Neighbours" project. People can choose from various ways to donate, making it easier for everyone to participate.

Attendees at the Event

The event was attended by many prominent figures, including Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department, Mona bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Foundation, and several other senior officials.

This endowment project is an important step towards supporting orphans and ensuring they have a better future. It also emphasizes the significance of caring for the environment and promoting education among the youth.