Muslims Can Suggest Friday Sermon Topic

Muslim residents can influence what they want to hear in the Friday sermon (khutba) following a revamp at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).

An official at IACAD said a new team and a revamped website would help residents have their say on the topic of the weekly khutba.

“We welcome suggestions by anyone to decide how best to address issues affecting their religious life in the Emirates,'' said Mohammad Al Muhairi, head of imams' affairs sections at the religious authority.

Each Friday, about 300 out of 500 mosques in Dubai host a common lecture pre-approved by the federal government seated in the capital Abu Dhabi.

Virtually all khutbas are in Arabic, despite a majority of non-Arab worshippers.

“There is a small English mosque in Jumeirah – we translate the Arabic sermon for use at Masjid Saeed Bin Yuha. The same applies for the handful of Urdu mosques in Dubai,'' said Al Muhairi.

Although Abu Dhabi sends a list of khutbas in advance – enough sermons to last about two months – it is possible to get the public to choose a popular topic, according to Al Muhairi.

“Some imams prefer to read the khutba word for word while others like to elaborate in their own style,'' he added.

The official said the feedback team is still in its teething stage but would eventually assume more responsibility.

Residents can submit online petitions at www.dicd.ae

Pre-vious sermons are also available at the internet portal.

Contact IACAD