Islamic Affairs guidelines for mosques during Ramadan 1447 AH

With the arrival of the first day of Sha'ban 1447 AH and the countdown to the blessed month of Ramadan beginning, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance issued a comprehensive set of guidelines and regulations on Tuesday to prepare mosques and prayer halls throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the holy month. This proactive step reflects the Ministry's annual commitment to providing a suitable spiritual atmosphere for worshippers and ensuring that religious rites are conducted according to the highest standards of organization and tranquility.

Context of preparations and the importance of institutional organization

These directives are of particular importance this year, as the Ministry seeks to enhance the spiritual role of mosques and protect them from any practices that might disturb worshippers or violate regulations. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at governing the operation of mosques and ensuring that the prayer environment is safe, healthy, and organized, in line with the Kingdom's religious standing and its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques and their affiliated mosques.

Discipline of Imams and Prayer Times

In its circular issued to all its branches, the Ministry stressed the necessity for mosque staff, including imams and muezzins, to maintain full attendance at their posts and to avoid absence during the holy month except in cases of extreme necessity, requiring the appointment of a substitute with official approval. Regarding timing, the Ministry emphasized strict adherence to the Umm al-Qura calendar for the call to prayer (adhan), specifying a 15-minute interval between the adhan and the iqamah for Isha and Fajr prayers to facilitate worship. The Ministry also stressed the importance of not prolonging Taraweeh prayers and ensuring that Tahajjud prayers during the last ten nights conclude well before the Fajr adhan.

Ban on filming and media broadcasting

In a move aimed at protecting the privacy of worshippers and preserving their focus and devotion, the directives included strict regulations regarding the use of cameras. The Ministry categorically prohibited the use of cameras in mosques to film the imam or worshippers during prayer, and also banned the transmission or broadcasting of prayers through any media outlet whatsoever. This decision underscores that mosques are places of worship and not venues for filming or live streaming, which could detract from the religious and spiritual purpose of worship.

Banning donations and regulating Iftar and Itikaf

On the financial and security front, the Ministry reiterated its warnings against collecting donations for any purpose, including iftar meals for fasting individuals, and stressed that such donations should be made only through officially authorized channels. It also directed that begging be prohibited inside and around mosques, and that those responsible cooperate directly with security authorities to report violators. Regarding iftar meals, the Ministry mandated that organizers hold them in designated mosque courtyards and ensure immediate cleanup afterward.

Regarding the year of Itikaf, the Ministry has put in place regulatory controls that include verifying the identities of those in Itikaf, and requiring the sponsor’s approval for residents, to ensure that those present inside the mosque are known and to achieve security and safety for all.

Attention to the environment and support services

The ministry concluded its directives by emphasizing the need to intensify field inspections and monitor maintenance and cleaning companies, with particular attention to women's prayer areas, ensuring their cleanliness and proper preparation befitting the pilgrims. These precise instructions reflect the wise leadership's commitment to the care of mosques and providing everything necessary for the comfort of worshippers, allowing them to focus on their prayers in an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion.