Hargeisa, Somaliland (SLpost) — The Somaliland Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments has introduced a new requirement for organizations, charitable institutions, and individuals seeking to construct or develop mosques, Quranic schools, and religious endowment projects, directing them to submit detailed project plans to the ministry before any work begins.
The directive, contained in an official circular issued by the directoral-general of the ministry Sheikh Ayaanle Hassan Ahmed, effectively places greater emphasis on prior consultation, coordination, and regulatory oversight of religious infrastructure projects across Somaliland.
The ministry said the measure is intended to ensure that projects involving mosques, Quranic schools, and Awqaf (religious endowments) are properly planned and implemented in accordance with national regulations and the needs of local communities.
Prior Approval and Project Planning
Under the directive, charitable organizations and other parties planning to establish or develop a mosque, Quranic school, or endowment-related facility are expected to provide the ministry with information about the proposed project and its plans before commencing implementation.
The ministry said the requirement forms part of its institutional responsibilities for the planning, coordination, and protection of religious facilities and endowment assets.
Rather than allowing projects to proceed independently, the ministry is seeking to establish a system through which proposed developments can be reviewed and coordinated before construction begins.
The circular specifically calls on organizations and individuals working in the sector to engage with the ministry at the planning stage and provide the necessary information regarding their proposed projects.
Ministry Cites Community Needs
The ministry said one of the principal objectives of the new system is to ensure that religious construction projects respond to genuine community needs rather than being undertaken without adequate assessment.
It argued that proper coordination can help determine whether a proposed mosque or Quranic school is needed in a particular area and whether its location is appropriate.
The ministry also stressed the importance of avoiding the establishment of mosques and Quranic schools in locations that may not be suitable or consistent with the needs of the surrounding population.
This approach, according to the ministry, is intended to promote more effective use of resources and prevent duplication or the construction of religious facilities in areas where they may not be required.
A Broader Regulatory Role for the Ministry
The directive also highlights the ministry’s broader role in overseeing religious affairs and endowment-related activities.
By requiring project plans to be submitted before implementation, the ministry appears to be seeking greater visibility over the number, location, and nature of religious infrastructure projects being developed throughout Somaliland.
The ministry said such coordination is necessary to ensure that projects comply with the country’s established regulations and contribute effectively to the religious and social needs of communities.
The requirement applies not only to established charitable organizations but also to anyone involved in planning projects related to mosques, Quranic schools, or religious endowments, according to the circular.
Appeal to Charitable Organizations
The ministry urged charitable organizations and other stakeholders to work closely with government authorities rather than proceeding with projects independently.
It encouraged those involved in mosque construction, Quranic education, and Awqaf projects to consult the ministry, submit project information in advance, and coordinate their activities with the relevant authorities.
The ministry said stronger cooperation would help create a more organized approach to religious development projects and improve coordination between charitable initiatives and government planning.
Why the Directive Matters
Mosques and Quranic schools play a central role in religious education and community life in Somaliland, while Awqaf assets have traditionally supported religious, educational, and charitable activities.
The ministry’s new directive therefore represents an effort to bring greater planning and institutional coordination to projects in these areas.
At the heart of the policy is the principle that religious infrastructure should be developed according to assessed community requirements, appropriate locations, and established national procedures.
The ministry said the system would ultimately help ensure that mosque, Quranic school, and Awqaf projects are implemented in a systematic manner and remain aligned with the needs of the communities they are intended to serve.
Reporting by Somalilandpost News
