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.
