JEDDAH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Call and Guidance has removed scientific and academic material about some sects and denominations from its website after receiving observations and complaints about the material, sources revealed to Okaz.

This comes as the ministry formed a working team tasked with developing and reviewing academic and technical aspects of the website.

Sources confirm that that fatwas of the Standing Committee on Fatwas are not the responsibility of the ministry, and are published on the website without modifications as a matter of dissemination of scientific and academic material, but if any complaints or observations about the fatwas are made, they are sent to a specific committee.

As for the technical and academic observations on the website, sources confirm that “most of the academic material is trusted and has no issues, but some of the books are in need of review.”

The technical committee concerned with studying and developing the ministry’s website began implementation of the first phase by studying and developing content on the website to be in line with modern times, and a comprehensive study will be submitted to the Minister of Islamic Affairs. The second phase is expected to launch before the month of Ramadan.

The ministry also plans to launch an online portal to connect with imams and muezzins directly by issuing instructions and circulars that inform them of their rights and responsibilities. The portal will be interactive, sources say, and will be developed within three months.