Dubai: The Saudi government has warned Imams and Khatibs in the kingdom against misuse of mosques as political platform and stressed they are meant only for prayers and religious purposes.

In an official order to Imams and Khatibs, Saudi Minister for Islamic Affairs Saleh Al-Sheikh strictly prohibited them from allowing any unauthorised persons to make speeches at mosques, the 'Al-Watan' Arab daily reported.

In the order sent on the occasion of the launch of a scheme for the care of mosques and their workers, the minister warned the religious leaders that such unauthorised persons might misuse the mosque to make provocative speeches and incite people.

There are also people who exploit the mosques as platform to recite poems in praise of some misguided people, he added. The minister pointed out that the order was prompted by reports of some "strange preachers" making unwelcome speeches at mosques.

He also called upon all Imams and Khatibs to be models for common people by preaching love, brotherhood and mutual understanding.

PTI