The ministry made its stand clear in a deposition in the Administrative Court in Jeddah, which is examining an appeal of the imam against the ministry’s order.

In his petition, the imam, who has practiced for 12 years, pointed out that the ministry fired him without any justifiable reason.  “The imam is fully aware he was warned several times in the past for negligence and lack of discipline in his work,” the lawyer representing the ministry said in a statement to the court, citing frequent absences, including one that lasted six days.

To prove his point, the counsel produced an attendance sheet and memos warning the imam to be punctual to prayers. 

The imam in his appeal pleaded to the court to reverse the decision and allow him to continue leading prayers in the mosque.

The imam substantiated his demand by producing a certificate issued by his immediate supervisor commending him for his excellence in work besides a copy of his superior’s recommendation to renew his contract.

He also argued that one of the documents presented by the ministry to the court showed that an official of the ministry commended his work last year. Despite these commendations he was terminated while he was on his vacation, the imam said in his complaint.