Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh directed mosque preachers across Saudi Arabia to dedicate next Friday's sermon to enlighten the faithful about the dangers of greed and excessive rent increases. This is to reinforce the efforts of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to regulate the real estate sector and achieve stability in the housing sector.

The minister’s directive stipulates that the sermon should address the lofty meanings of the regulations issued as per the Crown Prince's directives to achieve balance in the real estate sector. These regulations aimed to facilitate housing for citizens and residents, as this provides psychological and social stability for many families. It also urges property owners to avoid greed and excessive profiteering, as this harms tenants and imposes hardship on families.

It was mentioned in the directive that sermons should include warnings against greed and avarice, which are reprehensible under the Islamic law. The minister emphasized that excessive rent increases in order to maximize profit would restrict people's livelihood. He urged property owners to fear God Almighty, show mildness and tolerance in their dealings with tenants, and seek reward for making things easier for them. It emphasizes Islam's prohibition against harming Muslims.

The directive comes as part of the ministry's efforts to harness Friday pulpits to address issues that have a direct impact on people's lives, and to consolidate Islamic values that call for justice, mercy, and moderation, in a way that achieves the public interest of society. This is in addition to preserving authentic Islamic values and national gains.