RIYAD Ñ Saudi Arabia has warned its clerics not to give sermons
directed against the United States.
Saudi officials said the clerics have been warned not to use their posts
to engage in politics. This includes railing against the United States or
Riyad's Western allies.
Those clerics who violate the ban could face dismissal, officials said.
More than 50,000 clerics are responsible for mosques round the kingdom.
Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al Sheik has relayed a message to
clerics that also bans sermons by unauthorized people in mosques. Al Sheik
said such speakers could exploit the opportunity to incitement Muslims.
"Mosques are meant only for prayers, guidance and other pious
activities," the message to the clerics read. "They should not be misused
as a political platform."
Officials said the government has received reports of unauthorized
Saudis giving sermons against the United States in several mosques in the
kingdom. The reports included calls for the expulsion of U.S. military and
other Western personnel from Saudi Arabia.
The kingdom has arrested scores of people connected to the Al Qaida
movement. At the same time, attacks against Westerners have been reported
during the fast month of Ramadan.
Al Sheik warned that he was prepared to replace what he termed
unsuitable clerics from their posts. He said the role of the imam, or
preacher, and the khatib, who provides the sermon, involve great
responsibility.
