Doha, June 08 (QNA) - The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), represented by the Department of Mosques, has launched the smart digital application "Minbar," as part of its efforts to enhance the role of mosques and extend the reach of the Friday sermon through modern technology, in line with its digital transformation strategy.

The Ministry's Director of the Department of Mosques, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, said the initiative reflects the ministry's commitment to delivering reliable and accessible Islamic content using artificial intelligence, transforming the Friday sermon from a time- and place-restricted message into a continuous and interactive experience that reaches people in their daily lives.

He explained that the "Minbar" app offers several smart features, including accurate AI-powered translation of sermons into English, multilingual summaries in Arabic and English, and simplified versions tailored for children.

It also provides interactive Q&A content derived from sermons to enhance understanding and practical application.

The Mosques Director added that the app further enables users to watch live Friday prayers, access a full archive of previous sermons, and navigate a bilingual interface in Arabic and English.

He noted that these features aim to make religious content more engaging and widely accessible.

He stressed that the application targets a broad audience, including non-Arabic speakers, children, women, travelers, and people with special circumstances, in addition to anyone seeking to better understand Friday sermons.

It also allows non-Muslims to learn about Islamic values and teachings from a trusted source.

The ministry said "Minbar" strengthens the link between mosque messaging and digital platforms, supporting efforts to spread authentic religious knowledge and promote moderation and awareness through modern tools.

It also highlighted that future updates will include AI-based audio translation and further interactive features based on user feedback. (QNA)