As Ramadan approaches, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has issued detailed directives to ensure mosques across the Kingdom are fully prepared for the holy month.
The circular covers the responsibilities of mosque staff, prayer schedules, and worshipper services.
The guidelines mandate full attendance for imams, muezzins, and mosque workers, allowing absences only under exceptional circumstances with official approval.
Prayer timings must strictly follow the Umm Al Qura calendar, with the interval between the call to prayer and congregational prayers set at 15 minutes for Fajr and Isha.
During the last 10 nights, Tahajjud prayers should conclude before dawn to avoid inconvenience to worshippers.
The ministry emphasized that supplications during Qunut prayers should follow prophetic tradition, maintaining humility and brevity. Imams are also encouraged to provide religious lessons throughout Ramadan.
The circular reinforced rules on mosque operations, including prohibiting filming worshippers or broadcasting prayers via media platforms.
Begging within mosques and their surroundings is banned, and staff must ensure charitable donations and zakat reach legitimate recipients.
Guidelines for i‘tikaf practices were also outlined, requiring registration and verification, particularly for non-Saudis.
These measures aim to preserve the sanctity of worship, protect congregants, and ensure orderly management of mosques during the holy month.
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