ALARMING social ills of various sorts, such as mixing freely with members of the opposite sex, committing incest, lesbian and homosexual relations, theft and consuming liquor that degrades one’s moral values came to the fore yesterday in the Friday sermon.
Imams expressed their concern over the presence of unruly groups that commit gangsterism, extortion, bullying, vandalism and so on, and blamed the family factor, peer influence, environment, financial constraints, mass media and, most importantly, lack of religious teachings which lead to weak faiths and loss in sense of direction.
The Imams said those involved in such social ills follow their desire to enjoy what the world offers, to the detriment of one’s faith and of the integrity of the people and the nation.
“We should strengthen our Islamic faith to distance ourselves from any wrongdoing,” the Imams said in their sermon.
“The infiltration of such influences is against the Islamic values. They know that they’re committing such wrongdoings, but dare to continue and leave aside shame to follow one’s lust and desire.
“Strong religious knowledge is one of the tenets of the Ummah that protects them from being influenced by the negative elements that demoralise one’s beliefs,” the Imams added.
The Imams outlined several steps meant to strengthen one’s faith, such as praying five times a day, reciting the Holy Quran and performing “Dzikir.”
The Imams urged wrongdoers to learn to feel embarrassed when committing sinful acts, to shun empty talk, to not wear tight or revealing clothes, to not socialise too freely and to uphold moral values.
Imams said the family institution plays an integral part in shaping children’s futures.
They should ensure that the children receive good education and follow religious teachings. “But they should not pamper them with excessive lifestyles and then point out their mistakes.
“Let us be responsible in fighting against the social ills that plague Muslim youths nowadays,” the Imams said in their sermon.
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