Fact-check: Did the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ban Imams from Praying for Palestine?

Fact-check: Did the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ban Imams from Praying for Palestine?

Reports are spreading online and on social media that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has prohibited Imams, the religious leaders, from praying for the Palestinian state.

The text accompanying the claim reads in part, “There are several reports on X / Twitter suggesting that Saudi Arabia has banned Imams from praying for Palestine or even mentioning Palestine in their sermons in mosques, especially at Makkah and Madinah. Allegedly, Saudi says that there is no place for ‘political slogans’ in Hajj in Makkah and Madina…”

The claims have sparked outrage and disbelief online, with many questioning whether Saudi Arabia could make such a statement.

Recall that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its roots in the late 19th century when Zionists sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Ottoman-controlled Palestine. The 1917 Balfour Declaration endorsed this idea, leading to increased Jewish immigration. After World War II and the Holocaust, international pressure led to the creation of Israel in 1948, further fueling the conflict.

Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have been at war since early October 2023. It began when Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza – the deadliest in Israel’s history. An Israeli military campaign followed immediately, which has killed thousands in the Palestinian territory.

To verify the claim, PRNigeria fact check conducted an online search, which revealed that the Saudi Authority has consistently supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In August 2024, they welcomed the US, Egypt, and Qatar’s invitation for Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire negotiations. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry stated that they fully support the mediators’ efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The Saudi government emphasised that any normalization of relations with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. 

Saudi Arabia’s position is that a two-state solution is essential for peace and has been a long-standing supporter of Palestinian statehood.

PRNigeria fact-check investigation further revealed that recently, the kingdom released a statement through the embassy, which was published by Economic confidential with the caption “No Diplomatic Relations with Israel without Palestine”

PRNigeria conducted a keyword search and discovered that the claims started trending on social media platforms after the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, leading to Israel launching irstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, reportedly in response to rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel.

However, contrary to the claims,  PRNigeria fact-check team findings revealed a recent sermon by Imam Khaled Mahna of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, calling for support and prayers for oppressed Muslims, particularly Palestinians. He emphasized the need for strength in the face of oppression and highlighted the ongoing tensions with Israel. The Imam also urged the congregation to pray for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque, a significant site for Muslims, from Israeli control.

However, PRNigeria fact-check team found no evidence of any statement from the Saudi Arabian authorities prohibiting imams from praying for Palestine. Our investigation revealed no such directive or restriction made by the Saudi government.

Additionally, Mohammed AI-Sahabi, the kingdom’s Press Attache, confirmed to PRNigeria‘s fact-check team that the claims are completely false. He also shared a recent video footage showing the Imam praying for Palestine during the sermon.

Conclusion: Verification by PRNigeria fact-check team established no evidence of any statement from the Saudi Arabian authorities prohibiting imams from praying for Palestine. Similarly, Mohammed AI-Sahabi, the Kingdom’s Embassy in Nigeria Press Attache, confirmed to PRNigeria‘s fact-check team that the claims are not true. 

PRNigeria therefore concludes that the claim that Saudi Arabia is banning Imams from praying for Palestine is False.

PRNigeria