Islamic Affairs: 30,000 inspection tours of mosques in the Kingdom during Ramadan

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia intensified its efforts to ensure that mosques are prepared to receive worshippers. Its inspection teams conducted more than 30,000 inspection visits to mosques and prayer halls across the Kingdom during the first three days of Ramadan. This intensive campaign reflects the Ministry's commitment to providing a serene and tranquil atmosphere for worshippers and ensuring that all facilities and services operate at the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Historical background and the importance of preparing for Ramadan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under its wise leadership, gives utmost care to mosques, stemming from its position as the heart of the Islamic world and the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This care is particularly important during the month of Ramadan, which witnesses a surge in worshippers attending mosques for the five daily prayers, as well as Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers. Historically, the relevant authorities have consistently developed proactive and comprehensive plans before the holy month, encompassing maintenance, cleaning, and sanitization, in addition to organizing religious outreach and guidance programs. These inspection tours represent a continuation of this established approach and a practical application of the leadership's directives to provide the best possible services to those frequenting mosques.

Topics and details of inspection tours

The field visits, carried out by mosque supervisors, included an integrated system of axes to ensure full readiness, focusing on several key aspects, including:

• Adherence to instructions: Ensuring that mosque staff, including imams and muezzins, comply with the circulars regulating work, including adherence to the prayer times according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, and adjusting the loudspeakers according to the approved regulations.
• Facilities readiness: Checking on the cleanliness of mosques and their facilities, maintaining and operating air conditioning and lighting systems, and providing all the necessary supplies for the comfort of worshippers.
• Organizing Iftar tables: Monitoring Iftar tables for fasting people in mosques and prayer halls, ensuring that donors obtain the necessary licenses, and strictly prohibiting the collection of cash donations to ensure transparency and directing donations through official channels.
• Rules for seclusion and filming: Emphasizing the imams’ commitment to the rules related to seclusion, and preventing the filming of prayers and their broadcast via social media in order to preserve the worshippers’ reverence.

The local and international impact of these efforts

Locally, these efforts contribute to enhancing the spiritual atmosphere for citizens and residents, ensuring they can perform their religious duties in a healthy, safe, and organized environment. Regionally and internationally, these campaigns reflect the Kingdom's bright image in serving Islam and Muslims, and present a leading model in mosque management and architecture. With the influx of millions of pilgrims and visitors during Ramadan, these efforts guarantee a comprehensive spiritual experience for them, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for serving the guests of God.

Positive results and ongoing follow-up

The results of the inspections showed a significant increase in compliance with instructions and regulations, with very few violations observed, which were dealt with immediately according to established procedures. The Ministry affirmed that field monitoring continues around the clock through trained inspection teams operating according to clear operational plans, and called on everyone to cooperate and report any observations via the unified call center 1933, to contribute to achieving the highest levels of care for mosques.