Saudi Gazette Technology is advancing at such a fast pace that it is hard to keep up with it and some Islamic scholars are debating the use of modern means of technology in mosques. Islamic scholars hold varying opinions regarding use of projectors to deliver Friday sermons and while some scholars support its use, others strongly oppose the idea. Dr. Ali Abbas Al-Hikmi, member of the Council of Senior Scholars strongly opposes the use of projector with slides and/or powerpoint presentations during the Friday sermon. In his opinion, those attending the sermon will not listen carefully and attentively if they are reading from the slides in front of them. Furthermore, such technologies may distract the Imam himself and negatively affect his ability to deliver his speech in an effective manner. “The main purpose of going to the mosque on Fridays is to listen with undivided attention to the Imam's sermon,” Dr. Al-Hikmi told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. “Any technology that enables everyone present in the mosque to properly hear the sermon is encouraged, such as microphones and audio speakers. However, projectors should not be used unless there is an extreme need to display something. Such technological equipments may distract both the Imam and the worshipers and may diminish some of the benefits derived from the sermon,” he said. According to Dr. Al-Hikmi, these technological advances are extremely useful for lectures or group studies, but should not be used during Friday sermon. Some scholars oppose Dr Al-Hikmi's opinion and support the idea of using latest technology to deliver the sermon. Dr. Tawfiq Al-Sudairi, Deputy Minister for the Affairs of Mosques, Da'wah & Guidance declared the use of technology for Friday sermons as permissible. However, due to differing opinion of scholars in the Kingdom regarding this matter, a final decision has not yet been reached. Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al al-Sheikh, said that the matter of using technology in the mosques for Friday prayers requires further deliberation before any final decision can be announced. An incident was reported in a small town called Surat Obaida in the Kingdom, in which an Imam brought his laptop to the mosque from which he read his sermon. Attendees looked confused and long discussions ensued among people on whether this practice was acceptable. The Imam was reprimanded for using a laptop without consulting a higher authority. __
