Oran, Algeria – A video featuring an imam from the Sayida Aisha Mosque in Arzew, Oran province, has ignited a firestorm of controversy on social media. The imam is seen in the video allegedly demanding a fee for officiating marriage ceremonies, specifically the ‘Fatiha’ reading.
In the video, the imam reportedly states that simply thanking him for presiding over the Fatiha is insufficient. He insists that he should receive a monetary payment for his services. He is heard saying, “Don’t thank me; give me my ‘ziyara’ (financial compensation). Anyone who doesn’t give me my due will not have the Fatiha read by me.”
The imam’s remarks have triggered widespread condemnation online, with many users criticizing his perceived commercialization of religious duties. The video quickly went viral, prompting a response from the National Federation of Imams.
Jelloul Hejimi, Secretary-General of the Federation, addressed the incident, characterizing the imam’s statements as “spontaneous.” Hejimi stated that he contacted the imam to inquire about the controversy. He explained that the imam was speaking candidly and that perhaps a specific situation provoked him, leading to a poor choice of words.
“Humans are not infallible,” Hejimi added, suggesting that the imam did not intend to cause offense and was simply speaking impulsively. He urged authorities to consider that the imam is young and relatively new to his role.
“We defend every employee in our sector, especially those who belong to us. We either guide them if they need guidance or stand by them if they need support,” Hejimi stated. He further added, “Therefore, we hope that this matter is seen as very simple, and we apologize to anyone who understood it differently. These are customs and traditions that exist, especially in our western and Saharan regions, where the imam or ‘faqih’ is given financial compensation when performing a marriage contract.”
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
