Syria: Damascus Countryside Endowments Directorate Orders Shorter Friday Sermons and Avoidance of Political Topics

The Directorate of Endowments in Rural Damascus announced that it has issued a circular specifying the duration of Friday sermons and stressing the need to avoid topics that may incite discord or controversy among worshippers, as well as refraining from discussing the affairs of other countries.

The circular stated that Friday sermons should focus on “general preaching and religious and moral aspects,” steering clear of political issues or sectarian disputes, in order to help maintain societal unity.

It also stipulated that teaching in mosques should be limited to the four recognized Islamic schools of jurisprudence and their approved texts, aiming to promote a moderate religious discourse and avoid foreign ideological influences.

The directorate said these measures are part of its efforts to unify religious rhetoric and promote social stability in the Damascus countryside.