The Awqaf Ministry reaffirmed its total rejection of attempts to offend it, its mission and role in managing the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs.
The ministry said it rejects to question the ministry’s role as the official religious institution, as well as offending those in charge of it, including imams, scholars, and officials, according to a ministry statement.
The ministry denounced the use of unacceptable characterization against scholars and officials, in a talk show that was shown recently on a TV channel, stressing that it didn’t impose any administrative penalties to mosque preachers, or issued a decision to stop them from speaking for discussing topics related to the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It stressed that it dedicates during the year a set of unified sermons that talk about the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque and its importance to Muslims and the need to defend and protect it.
It referred to its great role in administering the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Islamic Awqaf affairs in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, based on the Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites, through the ministry’s Jerusalem Awqaf Department.
With regard to the Friday sermon, the ministry said that it is not minute-constrained, as mentioned in the talk show, and that its topics are diverse, and cover many Islamic, national and societal occasions. It voiced its absolute rejection of accusations against scholars in charge of religious topics that they were weak and failed to present national issues and religious affairs.
The ministry reiterated its respect for freedom of opinion and expression and constructive criticism based on facts, noting that it is in constant communication and cooperation with various media outlets, in contrast to sarcasm, mockery and misleading accusations far from the media profession that were shown in the talk show.
The ministry also denounced allegations that officials in the ministry are asking for titles and positions in exchange for giving up their religion, role and responsibilities, stressing that it retains its legal right to hold those in charge of the talk show accountable for and all false information, offends and accusations the show contained.
Source: Jordan News Agency