Friday Sermons in UAE Mosques

A standardizing process throughout the UAE has resulted in the writing and issuing of a sermon by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, which is usually preached in all the mosques of the country the following Friday.

Friday Sermons preached in UAE mosques have been for several years posted online in Arabic, English, Urdu and Malayalam.

Some mosques are currently part of a programme to explore the possibility of certain UAE mosques being appointed on a permanent basis to have the sermon delivered in English.

Islamic Insights
The online sermon resource offers an interesting window on Islam in the UAE. A look at recent sermon titles indicate some of the family themes that are often addressed viz. charity toward parents, the role of women in society, marriage and family values.

In addition there are more specifically religious topics being dealt with including the language of the Quran, the birth of the prophet, the character of God and the place of the mosque in the community.

Down to Earth
Sometimes the Friday service will include a second sermon which may alert people to participate willingly in the census or encourage people to support government initiatives such as “The Desert Thrives with Life” campaign promoted by the UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water.

Tolerance
Of special interest is the sermon on Tolerance (full script for download) which encourages Muslims to respectfully recognize and show tolerance towards people of other religions.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Fujairah mosque courtesy of this visiting blogger.