Complaints Filed With Ministry
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has received complaints that many preachers during the Friday sermons have underscored the Syrian issue and condemned the regime in Damascus. The issue provoked some Muslims and met with resentment of others during Friday prayers, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting reliable sources. Following this the ministry has given instructions to put down in writing what the preachers said during sermons to pave the way for their referral to the Technical Committee to see if they violated the instructions of the ministry.
Sources from the ministry wondered how some lawmakers interfere in the ministry's byelaws on such issues. Sources added mosques are sacred and should not be utilized for political purposes. Mosques are not the place to distract the attention of Muslims during prayers.
They said the mosques are tasked with enlightening Muslims religiously, culturally and socially not to invoke Allah, the Almighty, against symbols of countries. Sources also stressed the imam and the preacher should set good example for the society and therefore, they must be committed to law and regulations. For this reason, the sources say, Minister Mohammed Al-Nomes has stressed the need to apply the law and put in place penalties against violators.
Meanwhile, the Al-Rai daily on the issue of suspending some preachers from giving sermons for invoking Allah against the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, Al-Nomes confirmed the decision has been taken in accordance with rules laid down by the concerned committee in the ministry because the laws clearly state pulpits are allotted for educating Muslims on religious affairs and not interfering in political affairs.
He clarified if a preacher objects against the decision, he can submit a complaint to the concerned committee which will listen to their viewpoints and the committee may change the decision in line with its persuasions.
On the issue of suspending Egyptian preacher Mohammed Al-Saeed, MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei said the decision harms Kuwaitis, as it does not express the desire or feelings of Kuwaitis towards such heinous crimes.
Sources from the ministry said one Syrian who was performing the Friday prayers had informed his embassy of the content of the sermon preacher Mohammed Al-Saeed gave three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, MP Faisal Al-Muslim said what the preachers -- who have been suspended from resuming work for speaking against the Syrian regime -- is little compared to the countless heinous crimes the Syrian regime has committed against the nation.
He added the increasing number of complaints filed with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs due to a decision taken against some preachers on the 'Syrian issue' will lead to opening the file and escalate the situation.
© Arab Times 2011
