KUALA LUMPUR: Khatibs across the state have been reminded that the Friday sermon should serve as a platform to foster unity among Muslims rather than causing division. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar emphasised that the primary role of the sermon is to offer advice and promote unity within the Muslim community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na’im stated, “The main role of the sermon is to unite Muslims, not to divide them, let alone to spread falsehoods.” This comment was made in response to an incident involving a khatib at a mosque in Padang Serai, Kedah, who reportedly discussed the issue of granting citizenship to Chinese nationals during a Friday sermon.

He addressed the media following the MADANI Community Outreach Programme at the Kampung Paya Community Hall in Kampung Bharu. Mohd Na’im further noted that the Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK) holds the authority to act against the khatib if it is determined that he
delivered the sermon without valid certification.

“As we are aware, this incident occurred in Kedah, where religious authority, including the drafting and delivery of the sermon, falls under the jurisdiction of the state,” he explained. “Therefore, action can be taken against the khatib who delivered the sermon without proper approval (ta’wiyah) from the religious authorities.”

Mohd Na’im also elaborated that if the investigation reveals the sermon has the potential to incite racial tension, further actions could be pursued. Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail indicated that the matter, seen as an abuse of the sermon platform and a tarnishing of the mosque’s institution, would be investigated by the Bukit Aman 3R task force, which deals with issues pertaining to royalty, religion, and race.