Directive to dedicate Friday sermons to discussing integrity and combating corruption
As part of integrated efforts to promote ethical values and safeguard national assets, His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, issued an urgent directive to mosque preachers throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The directive mandates that the sermon for next Friday, corresponding to June 14, 1447 AH, be dedicated to a vital topic concerning the security and stability of society: "Integrity, Honesty, and Combating Corruption.".
Sermon themes and establishing the legal concept
The ministerial directive emphasized the necessity for sermons to address several key themes that establish the concept of integrity from an Islamic perspective. His Excellency instructed preachers to focus on explaining the importance of trustworthiness in Islam, considering it a fundamental pillar of faith and a sign of a righteous society. The directive was based on explicit Quranic verses, including: "And those who are faithful to their trusts and their covenants," and "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to their rightful owners," to remind worshippers that upholding trusts is a religious duty that does not expire with time.
The danger of corruption to development and stability
In raising awareness of the dangers, the directive emphasized the need to highlight the seriousness of administrative and financial corruption. Corruption is not merely a violation of regulations; it is a destructive force that threatens the stability of individuals and the development of nations. The directive urged preachers to cite the verse, "And do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation," to clarify that misappropriating public funds or exploiting one's position for personal gain constitutes corruption on earth, warranting punishment in this life and the hereafter.
Warning against bribery and misappropriation of public funds
The ministry's circular also emphasized the importance of a firm warning against bribery, citing Prophetic traditions that severely punish offenders, such as the Prophet's saying: "The Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the one who bribes and the one who accepts a bribe." The circular also stressed the prohibition of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds, referencing the hadith narrated by Khawla bint Qays al-Ansariyyah, which warns of Hellfire for those who transgress against public money.
Strengthening community oversight and the role of the citizen
This directive aligns with the Kingdom's major national efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency, in accordance with the objectives of Vision 2030, which has enshrined "zero tolerance for corruption" as a fundamental principle. Therefore, the directive emphasizes the importance of urging worshippers to report any instances of corruption, considering it a religious and national duty. Citizens are the first line of defense, and their reporting protects society, safeguards rights, and deters perpetrators, thus contributing to the sustainability of prosperity and abundance.
The ministry concluded by affirming that it will follow up on the implementation of this directive in all mosques, to ensure that this important awareness message reaches everyone, and to consolidate the values of integrity as an integral part of the national and Islamic identity.
