Friday Sermon: A Good Opportunity To Build Moral Religious Awareness
Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt, May 2
In front of me, an imam expressed concerns about the tardiness of many individuals attending Friday prayers, noting that they often rush to the mosques just in time for prayer and neglect the sermon. He lamented that people no longer prioritize performing religious rituals properly, attributing it to the distractions and temptations of the world leading them astray toward indulgence and excess in their faith. Politely, I questioned why he solely placed blame on the congregants without considering the role of the preachers themselves. He insisted that they fulfill their duty by preparing and delivering sermons on the importance of religious diligence, a responsibility each Muslim must uphold. I countered by emphasizing that not all preachers are equal in their capabilities, as countless mosques and religious centers are helmed by individuals lacking in adequate knowledge or preparation in religious teachings and public speaking skills. The significance of the Friday sermon cannot be understated, especially in light of research that highlights its potential to positively impact society if delivered effectively. Despite my concerns, the Imam redirected the conversation to question what exactly I proposed as a solution. I candidly expressed my hope for preachers to address societal issues in their sermons, urging them to focus on practical matters of ethics rather than delving solely into ritualistic aspects of the faith or historic events. Preachers must strive to engage with contemporary challenges and employ a fresh approach to deliver impactful sermons that resonate with their audiences. An essential aspect of this envisioned transformation involves selecting preachers based on their expertise and credibility, rather than dictating sermon topics to them. By fostering collaboration with reputable religious institutions and instituting rigorous vetting processes for recruiting scholars and preachers, we can ensure a platform that promotes enlightened and moderate discourse. Research has shown that the credibility of the Friday sermon, along with the credibility of the preacher, significantly shapes religious knowledge and attitudes. However, the current standardized sermon lacks authenticity, leaving listeners to perceive the preacher as a mere mouthpiece of the state rather than an independent voice of wisdom. Hence, there is a growing demand for preachers who are perceived as independent thinkers, capable of delivering meaningful and trustworthy sermons. In essence, what we require is not just a renewal of religious discourse, but a complete overhaul leading to a new religious narrative. This transformation should not be confined to political or Islamic groups but must extend to traditional religious institutions like Al-Azhar. The call for a new religious discourse is not a passing trend but a vital necessity to revitalize our spiritual connection and foster a more harmonious society. It is time to prioritize the cultivation of enlightened and moderate religious leaders who can guide us toward a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of faith. —Ammar Ali Hassan (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
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