JEDDAH: A number of Shoura Council members have voiced objections to some imams who express their personal opinions during Friday sermons.

The members asked the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to supervise the sermons to make sure they were written by specialists and circulated to all mosques.

Mohammad Al-Naji said imams should focus on social change and current affairs; he called on the ministry to coordinate with the Madinah-based Institute of Imams and offer them intensive training. He said the ministry should reformulate the way it deals with imams.

Ali Al-Tamimi said the West accuses imams of hatred and many of their sermons might foster hatred. He called on the ministry to look into the matter and stop such sermons. He said it was important to study Friday sermons and that the ministry should train imams.

Saud Al-Subaie said sermons in general deviate from problems found in society and do not discuss them.

Another member, Hamad Al-Hasoun, said the prayers of some imams include praying for the Syrian, Iraqi and Yemeni people and failing to pray for the safety of our brave soldiers on the southern border.

The Shoura Council called on the ministry to increase coordination with universities in the Kingdom to set up training programs for all imams.

The council approved a recommendation presented by member Mufreh Al-Zahrani to develop and improve a unified model for all.

Qader Al-Qurashi pointed out the importance of this recommendation.

Mohammad Al-Rahili also underlined the importance of supporting a unified model.