Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry announced the development of procedures regulating licences for preaching, religious guidance and related activities, as part of efforts to enhance the regulatory framework for religious work and in accordance with Decision (56) of 2011 regulating licences for preaching and guidance.
The decision underscores the responsibility of those engaged in religious guidance and the importance of their role in promoting religious knowledge, moderation, Islamic virtues and values, and lessons from the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) biography. It also aims to support the role of places of worship and Ma’atams and prevent their use for activities that violate the law, following the detection of several violations and misuse of these areas contrary to their intended purposes.
Under Decision (74) of 2026, amending provisions of Decision (56) of 2011 and issued by Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda, the practice of preaching, religious guidance, delivering sermons and religious chanting, as well as related events and activities, is regulated and requires the appropriate licence in accordance with approved rules and procedures.
The decision provides for the formation of specialised committees within the relevant directorates, comprising experts in Sharia, administrative and technical domains. The committees will establish standards and requirements for licensing preaching, guidance and related activities in places of worship, Ma’atams and other facilities, and determine the documents required for obtaining a licence, including a valid good conduct certificate.
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