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(JULY 15-21)
According to reports, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Call, and Guidance has removed 3500 imams from duty since 2003 under a program to monitor all government-paid clerics. A 2012 report by the US State Department report says that the dismissals were carried out under a program to curb “extremism.” But an official from the Ministry has told the media that the imams were not only dismissed over their “extremist” beliefs, but also due to absences and frequent administrative violations. He also said that lack of skills in reading and memorising the Quranic verses, as well as some incorrect practices based on improper Islamic thinking were are among the reasons for their dismissal. He also added that the ministries only resorted to dismissing the imams after all other measures were taken. 1
- 1. “3,500 Saudi imams dismissed to curb extremism”, Saudi Gazette, July 22, 2013, at http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20...