Grand Mosque Imam Urges Fact-Checking in Disputes, Condemns Attacks on Holy Sites
MAKKAH, September 18, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Grand Mosque Imam Sheikh Bandar Baleela urged worshippers on Friday to verify facts before forming judgments about others, warning that suspicion can damage personal relationships and wider social ties.
During the Friday sermon in Makkah, Baleela said negative assumptions about fellow Muslims could lead to spying, backbiting and open hostility.
He encouraged worshippers to think well of others and avoid situations that could create unnecessary doubt. When uncertainty arises, he said, people should seek clarification promptly before disputes become more serious.
Baleela applied the guidance to family, social and workplace relationships, emphasizing that direct verification can help prevent misunderstandings and resolve disagreements.
In a separate section addressing regional security, the imam condemned repeated attempts by the Houthi group to target holy sites and civilian areas.
He rejected attacks and attempted attacks against places of worship and peaceful communities, focusing his remarks on the protection of religious sites and civilians.
The sermon combined guidance on individual conduct and social relationships with a response to security threats affecting holy sites in the region.
Source: SPA
