UAE bans sermons sans permission in mosques

ABU DHABI — Hosting lectures and sermons or organising seminars inside mosques without procuring a licence have been banned as per a new decree. The law defines a number of activities that are prohibited in mosques without a licence: Conducting Quran memorisation circles; collecting donations or other aid; appointing or assigning any person on a temporary or permanent basis to hold or organise religious or social events; distribution of books, leaflets, audio and video recordings; I’tikaaf (dedicating time for spiritual seclusion in the mosque), or bringing food inside the mosque.

The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al

Nahyan, issued the law that applies to mosques, public and private prayer spaces and Eid mussalas in the country.

The law prohibits mosque employees from preaching and recitation, teaching religious lessons and holding Holy Quran memorisation activities outside mosques. They can’t be involved in entities authorised to participate in any media activities without prior permission from the competent authority. They can’t collect donations or financial or in-kind assistance for third parties. The law prohibits those working in mosques from belonging to any illegal group or from carrying out any political or organisational activities. The law stipulates that candidates for jobs at mosques should be Emirati of good conduct, with no arrests, citation or criminal record in felonies or misdemeanours relating to honour or personal integrity, unless they have been cleared of the charges. Candidates for employment are also required to pass the tests, be medically fit and have all the required academic qualifications, accredited by the government departments concerned. Residents who meet the conditions and requirements may be appointed to vacant positions in the absence of Emirati candidates.