Riyadh, January 19, 2026: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has directed all mosque preachers to focus their next Friday sermon on encouraging marriage and discouraging messages against it. The instruction was issued by Sheikh Dr Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, minister of Islamic Affairs. The directive says marriage is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and essential for chastity, honour, and the goals of Shariah law. It asks families, especially parents and guardians, to help facilitate marriages by removing obstacles and avoiding costly wedding customs that go against Islamic teachings. The ministry highlighted that extravagant spending on weddings and dowries causes debt and anxiety among young people. It links this financial burden to a growing reluctance toward marriage and calls for simpler, affordable weddings. Preachers are also told to warn against "deviant" messages on social media that paint marriage in a negative light, saying such content aims to harm family values and Islamic principles. This move comes as Saudi Arabia balances tradition with rapid social change under its Vision 2030 plan. While modernising many aspects of life, Saudi leaders continue to emphasize preserving the traditional family as a pillar of social stability. Using Friday sermons—a platform reaching thousands weekly—the ministry seeks to steer public opinion and strengthen social cohesion by promoting marriage and discouraging extravagant wedding practices. The coming sermons will test how religious messaging impacts youth and families as they face rising wedding costs and changing social attitudes.