In a significant religious edict, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, the Saudi Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, has called for imams and preachers to refrain from filming and posting prayers and sermons on social media platforms during the holy month of Ramadan.

This directive is in alignment with a recent decision by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, which has instituted a ban on such practices.

The Grand Mufti expressed concerns over the potential for hypocrisy and ostentation in religious observances when actions such as filming are shared publicly.

He asserted that the act of worship should be rooted in sincerity towards God, emphasizing that true acceptance of worship hinges on two fundamental conditions: sincere intention to please God and adherence to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah.

In his fatwa, Al-Sheikh referenced the prophetic saying warning against minor polytheism, which includes hypocrisy.

He reiterated the importance of intent behind religious practices, noting that the appropriateness of filming prayers and sermons varies based on the individual's intentions.

The Grand Mufti articulated a theological stance that any act conducted without seeking Allah’s approval is ultimately of no value.

He concluded his statement by encouraging Muslims to cultivate sincerity in their worship, stressing the significance of genuine devotion and reflection in one’s spiritual life, particularly in anticipation of accountability on the Day of Judgment.