Majority of the respondents - 55 per cent - suggested that the sermons be translated into Urdu.
Over 73 per cent of non-Arabic speaking Muslims in Abu Dhabi don't grasp the meanings of the Friday sermons, a survey has revealed. This was mainly because they didn't understand the language. They added that they would like to understand the meaning of the sermons to "enrich their religious knowledge".

They also expressed desire to understand the social messages delivered during the weekly sermons. Majority of the respondents - 55 per cent - suggested that the sermons be translated into Urdu.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi conducted the survey of non-Arabic speakers to understand what they thought of the Friday sermons. The survey targeted visitors of 15 mosques in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

The survey revealed that most of the respondents were keen to perform the Friday prayer in the mosques as it "brings together a spectacular religious atmosphere".

The survey covered a wide range of issues, including the respondents' understanding of the Friday speech and their ability to use smart devices. It was conducted by the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD) in collaboration with the Department of Community Development and General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

Based on the findings, the authorities concerned will collaborate with Etisalat and du to launch a new service to "communicate the messages of the Friday speech to a broader section of society".

SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES