Media personality Dawood Al-Sharyan has emphasized the fundamental distinction between professional journalism and individual preaching, asserting that journalistic work should not be judged by the standards of personal advice or the tools of sermonizing.
A Journalistic Inquiry into Riyadh’s Sermons
Although reflecting on a recent post by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Obailan regarding individual advice, Al-Sharyan recalled a significant professional experience from his tenure at Ad-Da’wah magazine during the 1980s.
During that period, Al-Sharyan observed that mosque preachers often lacked a unified focus. To investigate this, he deployed 25 young men across various neighborhoods in Riyadh to monitor the themes of Friday sermons.
The resulting data revealed that 80% of the sermons focused on polytheism (shirk) and the worship of idols. Al-Sharyan used these findings to create a magazine cover arguing that Friday sermons should be more mindful of the local context, noting that polytheism did not exist in Saudi Arabia.
Conflict and Resolution with Sheikh Saleh Al-Atram
The publication sparked a strong reaction from the late Sheikh Saleh Al-Atram, who sent Al-Sharyan a 40-page response. The Sheikh expressed anger, interpreting the report as an attempt to downplay the dangers of falling into polytheism.
Al-Sharyan resolved the tension through a phone call, telling the Sheikh, “If you are the son of Salafism, I am its grandson,” to clarify that he was not diminishing the importance of the issue.
During the conversation, Sheikh Al-Atram stated that he would have filed a lawsuit in court if not for his respect for Al-Sharyan. Al-Sharyan jokingly suggested the lawsuit be filed in Buraydah so he could find someone to support him, describing the situation as a “fight” rather than a legal case, which led to mutual laughter.
Final Outcome and Implications
The dispute concluded with Sheikh Al-Atram requesting that Al-Sharyan review and edit the Sheikh’s response before it was published, a request that Al-Sharyan fulfilled.
This incident suggests that the dialogue between media practitioners and religious figures could continue to evolve. Future interactions may likely see a greater emphasis on the separation of journalistic standards from the frameworks of religious guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Dawood Al-Sharyan’s study in the 1980s?
Al-Sharyan wanted to investigate the topics addressed by mosque preachers in Riyadh, leading him to send 25 young men to monitor Friday sermons.
How did Sheikh Saleh Al-Atram respond to the magazine cover?
The Sheikh sent a 40-page comment expressing his anger, as he believed Al-Sharyan was underestimating the danger of polytheism.
How was the disagreement between Al-Sharyan and the Sheikh settled?
The two settled the matter via a phone call where they shared a joke about filing a lawsuit in Buraydah; Al-Sharyan reviewed and edited the Sheikh’s response before publication.
Do you believe professional journalism should remain entirely separate from the standards of personal or religious advice?
