The workshop, “The Mosque and Friday Sermon: Responsibility and Contribution to the Building of Man,” was organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawa and Guidance under the directives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The workshop made 47 recommendations aimed at making Makkans good Muslims capable of contributing to the development of the country in general and to the uplift of Makkah region in particular.

The workshop underlined the important role imams play in propagating Islamic values and noble principles. One of the recommendations urged imams to highlight the fact that Islam is a religion of progress and civilization and should also focus on the values of honesty, integrity and straightforwardness. “The imams should emphasize that Islam prohibits corruption and aggression against the properties of others, especially government land,” the recommendations said.

The workshop asked the imams to highlight in their Friday sermons the blessings of security, stability and progress being enjoyed by the Kingdom through its application of Shariah and its adherence to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

It asked the imams to stress the fact that Islam is a religion, which is suitable to all times and places and that it is a moderate religion, which is against extremism and fanaticism.

The recommendations particularly asked the imams of the Makkah region to speak about the sanctity and unique features of Makkah, the city that saw the advent of Islam. Imams were also asked to highlight the development projects in the region and to ask Makkawis to contribute effectively to the development of their region.

The imams were told to lay much emphasis on the moderate nature of Islam and to correct misconceptions that distort its image.

“The imams should recognize the strenuous efforts the government is making for progress and development and to inform citizens about corruption,” one of the recommendations said, asking the imams to spread the culture of showing hospitality to pilgrims and visitors.

The recommendations also urged the imams to inculcate in society the spirit of reconciliation and staying away from petty disputes. “The imams should use modern technological means in their guidance and enlightenment efforts and should also interact with the youth to know their problems and aspirations,” the workshop suggested.

The recommendations asked the imams to guide the worshippers to be real partners in the government’s efforts aimed at progress and development.

The workshop was a result of weekly meetings the governor holds at his home with scholars, imams and important personalities in Makkah.