Department of Religious Affairs
The following are the functions of the Department of Religious Affairs: –
- Regulation of Haj and Awqaf in Puntland State of Somalia
- Islamic Da’wa and overview of the Islamic schools and mosques
- Implementation of Islamic Sharia
- Development of Strategic Plan for the dissemination of Islamic values and adaptions
- Eradication of bad behaviors and mal-practices against Islam
- Review of laws and policies to ensure that are in line with Islamic religion and values
- Coordination and working with Islamic Aid Organizations
- Development of programs required by Islamic da’wa, mosques, Islamic education centers and vulnerable people
- Preparation and implementation of the five (5) year strategic plan and budget for the department.
- Preparation and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system and tools for the Department
- Preparation and implementation of the capacity development for all staff based on the needs assessment and in-line with Puntland Civil Service Commission (PCSC) guidelines and requirements.
- Preparation of the annual financial estimates in consultation with the heads of sections
The department is divided into three sections which include the Haj and Awqaf, Daáw and Fatwa and Mosques and Quranic School Sections. The following table provides the functions for each of the sections:
| SECTIONS | FUNCTIONS |
| 1 Haj and Awqaf Section | · Review and implementation of the policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations for the Haj and Awqaf Section
· Monitor the implementation of Haj and Awqaf policies, rules, guidelines and regulations in Puntland · Regulate Haj and Awqaf in Puntland State of Somalia · Preparation of the draft bills that are required to achieve the objectives of the Haj and Awqaf · Implementation of the five (5) year strategic plan and budget in the Haj and Awqaf Section |
| 2 Daáw and Fatwa Section | · Review and implementation of the policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations for the Daáw and Fatwa Section
· Monitor the implementation of Daáw and Fatwa policies, rules, guidelines and regulations in PSS · Preparation of the draft bills that are required to achieve the objectives of the Daáw and Fatwa · Islamic Da’wa · Implementation of the five (5) year strategic plan and budget in the Daáw and Fatwa Section |
| 3 Mosques and Quranic School Section | · Review and implementation of the policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations for the Mosques and Quranic School Section
· Monitor the implementation of Mosques and Quranic School policies, rules, guidelines and regulations in PSS · Preparation of the draft bills that are required to achieve the objectives of the Mosques and Quranic School · Coordination and approval of mosques and Quranic curriculum and programs · Implementation of the five (5) year strategic plan and budget in the Mosques and Quranic School Section |