Yambu: The Saudi Islamic Ministry has dismissed imams who sent substitutes without permission to lead Friday sermons and prayers in some mosques in the country. Several imams were sacked for deputing people to deliver Friday ‘khutba’ (sermons) without notifying the ministry, a local newspaper reported.
It is usual for the ministry to send a notification about the topic for Friday’s speech in advance. Ignoring this, the ministry does not allow him to choose his own topic and deliver the speech. It was discovered that many imams were conducting the khutba by sending substitutes without obtaining permission.
The ministry gives a note to the khatibs for their Friday sermons on important ritual matters in Islam, brotherhood, coexistence, warning against disunity and warning against terrorist organizations.
The regional newspaper reported that the authorities have warned that strong action will be taken against all matters, big or small, that incite people against the rulers and leaders of the country, and spread discord and strife in the society.