08-02-2003, 07:19 PM
As Salam Alykom
Jazaki Allah khairan Jennifer for being so kind and sensitive. I never side my government I know exactly which kind of shortcomings we are suffering. We do suffer some exactly as u do. However, each from a different stand. For example we may enjoy a number of advantages that u miss, such as observating Islamic occasions, Halal food, Friday prayer, a good level of conservative attitude in streets and public places, and other advantages of living in a so called Muslim country. While someone like me for example is not allowed no more as of today to wear A`abaya for work (Hijab is not prohibited though, but we wear skirt and jacket formal as u call it with head cover of course).
Now in regard to the Khutbah issue, long time ago the government tended to regulate the matter for the best of the audience. See the problem arose when Imams working in small mosques of villages and hamlets were not qualified enough to deliver a useful Khutbah. Moreover, in some cases they even due to lack of knowledge included wrong info. So the Gov. made it compulsory for an Imam to be a graduate of the Institute of Dua, obtain a license for this I think from Al Azhar. On certain occasion, the government would give directives to tackle a specific issue. While for instance during the war of Iraq they were prohibited to touch on some points such as anti America sentiments.
I still didn’t find my cousin, as soon as I find him I will confirm this peace of info. I asked someone else who did not hear of such a thing just exactly like me.