RIYADH, 23 November 2002 — Mosques are meant only for prayers, guidance and other pious activities: they should not be misused as a political platform, imams and khatibs have been told.
In an official order to imams and khatibs, Saleh Al-Sheikh, minister of Islamic affairs, endowment, call and guidance, strictly prohibited them from allowing any unauthorized persons to make speeches at the mosques, Al-Watan reported. He wrote the letter on the occasion of the launch of a scheme for the care of mosques and their workers.
He warned them that speakers might misuse the mosque to make provocative speeches and incite people. There are also people who exploit the mosques to recite poems in praise of some misguided people, he added.
Al-Sheikh also commended the efforts of imams and khatibs in fulfilling their religious duties by leading people in prayers and giving good advice and guidance and supervising dawa programs and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
The minister pointed out that the order was prompted by reports of some strange preachers making unwelcome speeches at the mosques. He also called upon all imams and khatibs to be models for others by spreading love and brotherhood. They should also keep up the practice of mutual consultations. Also, they should be speaking the truth. The minister said while making a tour of the mosques in Riyadh on Tuesday that those who are unsuitable for religious offices such as the work of imam and khatib should be replaced with suitable persons. These offices are a great responsibility, the minister added.
