Islamic Affairs guidelines for Ramadan: Photography ban and mosque regulations

As part of its intensive preparations to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a set of important directives and instructions to all its branches in the regions of the Kingdom, with the aim of preparing mosques and prayer halls to serve the guests of God and provide a suitable spiritual atmosphere for worshippers during the holy month.

Strict regulations for imams and muezzins

The ministerial directives included specific instructions for imams and muezzins to ensure the proper conduct of religious rites. The ministry emphasized the necessity of adhering to the prescribed times for the call to prayer (adhan) and the commencement of prayer (iqamah), specifying a 15-minute waiting period between them for the obligatory prayers, while also taking into consideration the needs of the congregation. The directives also stressed to imams the importance of reciting the supplication (qunut) during the Taraweeh prayers with humility and contemplation, without prolonging it in a way that burdens the worshippers. Furthermore, the imams were instructed to ensure that the Tahajjud prayers during the last ten nights of Ramadan conclude well before the Fajr prayer, allowing those fasting sufficient time to eat their pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and prepare for the Fajr prayer.

Photography and begging are prohibited to preserve spirituality

In a move aimed at preserving the privacy of worshippers and the sanctity of the place, the directives included a strict ban on the use of cameras to film the imam and worshippers during prayers, as this causes disruption and diminishes focus. The directives also prohibited broadcasting prayers through any media outlet without official authorization. Furthermore, the ministry emphasized combating the phenomenon of begging inside mosques or at their entrances, instructing mosque staff to cooperate with the relevant authorities to prevent these practices, which detract from the mosque's appearance and disturb worshippers.

The context of caring for houses of God

These directives are a continuation of the annual approach adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in caring for mosques, with the leadership placing great importance on creating a conducive environment for worship during major religious seasons. These organizational measures are part of a comprehensive system aimed at enhancing the efficiency of services provided in thousands of mosques across the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to improve the quality of life and enrich the religious experience for citizens, residents, and visitors.

Organizing the retreat and supporting services

Regarding the practice of i'tikaf (seclusion in the mosque for worship), the Ministry directed that the process be organized by the mosque's imam, emphasizing the importance of verifying the identities of those observing i'tikaf and registering their information to ensure security and order. The Ministry also directed that suitable spaces be allocated for them that do not obstruct the movement of other worshippers. On the service front, the Ministry instructed maintenance and cleaning companies to intensify their field inspections, ensuring the readiness of women's prayer areas, the cleanliness of restrooms, and the quality of air conditioning and lighting. They were also instructed to address any issues immediately to guarantee the comfort of worshippers throughout the holy month.