The UAE is planning to upgrade Friday sermons to make them more informative to reflect the true moderate face of Islam as part of a major drive covering the construction of new mosques and replacement of old ones.
The plan to improve sermons - in form, context and delivery - follows a decision by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf to begin announcing Friday's open-air sermons in English and other languages.
After a series of meetings over the past few days, ministry officials and clerics agreed to work together to upgrade the Friday sermon and ensure those who deliver them are qualified.
"The Friday sermon is considered a source of spiritual and religious education for the Islamic nation," said Mohammed Salim, the ministry's undersecretary.
"Muslim clerics should stick to the text of the sermon and should not drag on for a long time, especially in the hot summer hours. This subject was discussed during our meetings, which also covered ways to develop and upgrade sermons. There were some proposals by those clerics."
Friday's sermon, which normally lasts around 20 minutes, is prepared by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf but there have been complaints that some clerics are not sticking to its context or make additions to stretch the delivery time.
A senior cleric at the ministry said some of those who deliver sermons "often go out of their way to urge worshippers to pray - and fast".
"Every one knows these things and there is often no need to repeat them every week. What we need is an informative and educational sermon that tells believers new things about their religion and culture and show the true face of Islam, especially its tolerant and peaceful face. That is what we have discussed."
Muslims who go to Friday prayers welcomed the plan and said new ideas are needed in the sermon to cope with developments and changes in the world.
Ministry officials said more meetings would be held in the coming days to discuss ways to improve Friday sermons. They disclosed a plan to set up a committee grouping key officials and clerics to review them.
"These meetings are designed to ensure full coordination among all concerned parties through conducting research and studies," said Hamdan bin Musallam Al Mazroui, assistant undersecretary for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf.
"We want to ensure the sermon is a contemporary one that illustrates the clear Islamic vision which is based on firm pillars of moderation and tolerance."
The plan followed a decision by the Ministry last month to deliver Friday sermons in English and other languages to make it understandable to all non-Arab Muslims.
"The Ministry is in the process of designating two mosques in each emirate to deliver brief sermons in English or Urdu languages. If it is deemed successful, it will be extended to all mosques in the country," said Mohammed Nakhira Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf.
"The translation will cover only the text and the meaning of the original sermon. It is in line with the ministry's interest in delivering the message of Islam in all languages so a larger part of the community will becoming acquainted with Islam."
Other ministry officials said the development plans would also involve constructions of new mosques throughout the emirates, replacement of old sites and recruitment of more qualified preachers, Imams and Holy Quran reciters.
"Such plans are aimed at encouraging Muslims to go to mosques and convey the real identity and character of Islam to all communities," said Ahmed bin Mubarak Al Kindi, the ministry's assistant undersecretary for mosques.
He said there were plans to add 60 new mosques and to demolish and remove all 'caravan mosques'.
Gulf News
