Call to integrate current affairs subjects in Friday Sermons

Imams and Madrasah teachers in Western region have been asked to change the method of preaching to make it more responsive to the present needs of worshippers, children and target audience. This was emphasized during a two-week workshop that was organized for Imams and madrasah teachers at Eshisiru Islamic and Da’wah centre in Kakamega County.
Addressing participants Sheikh Yusuf Malala said that there is need for Imams and madrasah teachers to adopt a different methodology which is appealing to the congregation and will have profound benefit not only on spiritual affairs but also in matters related to social and economic wellbeing of the society.
He noted that is imperative that communication and public relations skills of Imams, teachers and preachers are enhanced in order to undertake their roles effectively since they are the mirror of the Muslim community.”As spiritual leaders you need to build confidence among worshippers, you need to improve on communication and public relations skills in order to serve effectively in your positions and make mosques more friendly,” said Sheikh Malala who was one of the speakers at the workshop.
On his part, Sheikh Khamis Wakhusama, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) provincial secretary advised Imams and Khatibs to integrate in their Friday khutbas (sermon) current affairs among other social issues rather than confining their sermons strictly to spiritual matters only.
”Let us not talk about hellfire every time in our khutba as this sometime send worshippers away from the mosque. Let us integrate other issues into our khutbas and try to read the mood of the audience for effective services,” he said.
In his remarks the Kakamega Jamia Mosque and Islamic centre Imam Sheikh Ibrahim Sadalla advised participants to effectively serve Muslims with utmost dedications and honesty in order to steer them to prosperity.
The two week workshop that was organized and sponsored by the Kakamega based Muslim Group for Development attracted over 250 Imams and Madrassa teachers drawn from Western, Nyanza and Rift valley regions.

–The Friday Bulletin