RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, has urged imams and preachers to uphold sincerity in their worship and avoid actions that may lead to self-promotion or hypocrisy. He particularly referenced the practice of recording and sharing prayers and sermons from mosques on social media during the holy month of Ramadan, stating that such actions may compromise the sincerity of worship.
In response to a religious inquiry, Sheikh Al-Sheikh issued a fatwa aligning with the recent decision by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance to prohibit filming and sharing mosque prayers and lectures online. He emphasized that this measure was implemented to prevent potential errors and maintain the sanctity of worship.
“The matter of sincerity is crucial in worship. For any act to be accepted, two conditions must be met: it must be done sincerely for the sake of Allah, and it must align with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah,” the Grand Mufti explained.
Sheikh Al-Sheikh also referenced a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The thing I fear most for you is minor polytheism.” When asked to clarify, the Prophet responded: “It is hypocrisy.” He further warned that actions performed with the intention of gaining public attention rather than seeking Allah’s pleasure could be detrimental.
The Grand Mufti elaborated that the rulings on recording acts of worship vary depending on the intention and purpose behind them. He cited another hadith, stating: “Whoever seeks to be heard, Allah will expose him; and whoever seeks to show off, Allah will reveal his reality.”
Reiterating the significance of sincerity, Sheikh Al-Sheikh urged Muslims to focus on pure devotion and self-reflection to ensure their deeds are accepted by Allah. He reminded believers to be mindful of their intentions and warned against actions that could lead to spiritual loss on the Day of Judgment.
The Grand Mufti’s remarks serve as a reminder to the Muslim community to prioritize genuine faith and devotion over public recognition, aligning with the principles of Islamic worship.
