(AhlulBayt News Agency) - In an unprecedented move Islamic scholars has suggested English Friday sermons for certain mosques, along with the reduction in the time gap between prayer call and the actual prayer in certain mosques.
The committee has also decided to install LCD screens at the pulpit for Imams to read out the sermons from, rather than using paper.
The suggestion came during a workshop organised by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs (GAIA) and the decision would be implemented soon as part of the UAE’s 39th National Day celebrations.
A certain number of mosques would be allocated for English Friday sermons in each emirate, the GAIA concluded after successfully piloting the project in a few mosques in the capital as well as other cities.
Chairing the workshop, the Direcor General of GAIA, Dr Mohammed Mattar Al Kaabi, said that it is necessary to communicate with imams from each emirate on a regular basis to boost the performance as well as help them in all aspects of their life.
Announcing the initiatives, he said that LCD screens would be installed for imams to read their sermon from, as an advanced alternatives to paper.
In a significant move, he added, that the normal gap of around 15 to 20 minutes between prayer call (Adhan) and the prayer in mosques located in certain ares would be reduced to around five minutes. The decision comes keeping in mind the convenience of the people at market place, malls, Highways, etc.
Asad Rifaat, a non-Arabic Moroccan, seemed impressed with the decision to have English Friday sermons. “I think it’s necessary, because Islam is not regional, it’s global. Faith should extend beyond language, since most expats here speak English, this will be a beautiful way of extending Islam and making it more relevant for non-Arabic speakers.”
He added that a lot of non-Arabic speaking Muslims here feel alienated because they are disconnected from the general Muslim community. “Sermons can bring the Muslim community closer together, regardless of nationality.
Shahnawaz Alam, an Indian, who also can’t speak Arabic, suggested that it is a great move and would help more people understand Islam better. “I sit and listen to words I cant understand, if English language is used I’m sure it would make a change, especially to us non-Arabic speakers. Now many questions and matters could be answered.”
The GAIA, in coordination with several ministries, agencies as well as private institutions and companies, directly supervises all mosques in the country and offers them with programmes, religious guidance and choice of Imams.
source : http://www.abna.ir
