Satellite channels that spread falsehood do not have the best interests for Saudi Arabia and they exploit the people to achieve their own ends, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia said in a sermon Friday. Speaking at Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque here, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh said there is stiff competition among the channels to spread lies, contradictions and falsehood. “Some of these channels, supported financially by certain quarters, do not aim for reform, but for attracting more viewers,” the Mufti said. “They exploit some of our youth and invite them to participate in their programs so as to involve them in matters they have nothing to do with. The objective is to achieve their own goals without caring for the consequences.” “Some satellite channels have exploited the gullibility of these youth and have involved them in many evil matters. These channels are the gateways of the enemies of Islam to destroy the security of Muslims, divide them and incite evil tribulations in the Ummah,” he added. Warning against being influenced by such channels, the Grand Mufti said, “Beware of these channels exploiting (you) for their own interests that are aimed at harming your religion, nation and leadership.” “You have been entrusted with (responsibility of) the Ummah and the Muslim society. Beware of helping or supporting polytheists against Muslims, for whoever assists the polytheists against the Muslims is not a Muslim.” The Grand Mufti denounced those who talk about internal problems and defects on such channels. “We should correct our mistakes among ourselves and exert our utmost efforts to resolve them with our leadership and we should not divulge them to the enemies of Islam through their channels,” the Sheikh said. “They not only dislike us, but are happy to find among us (those who become) the tools for our enemies.” The Grand Mufti attributed the turmoil spreading in the Arab and Muslim world to the corrupt channels and those who participate in them without adequate knowledge, and thereby creating problems for the Ummah. “We have to safeguard our society, the cohesion of the Ummah, its systematic economy, the strength of its leadership and the great bounties granted by Allah,” he said. “Just look at those who were deceived by different calls in (other) countries. They have not obtained what they were striving for.” Correct people with kindness The Grand Mufti then turned his attention to the manners of dealing with people who are deviant or mistaken. He emphasized on using kindness and good persuasion. He stressed on changing the manner of approach so it suits with our current times and developments. The present situation is not as it used to be in the past, he said. Islamic Shariah has morals that must be taken into consideration when offering advice. Advice should be sincerely for Allah's sake and it should not be given in the presence of others. The person offering advice should not brag or insult others because of their mistakes. It should not be done to achieve personal interests or be victorious over a certain group based on sectarian or fanatic motives. Many who put themselves forward to advise others lack the adequate knowledge and commit mistakes, he said. The Grand Mufti warned against defaming others and publishing their shortcomings in newspapers and on websites. __
