Saudi Arabia has announced new Ramadan guidelines for mosques nationwide as the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance released comprehensive directives to prepare mosques for the holy month, improve services for worshippers, and reinforce regulations governing mosque staff.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs Releases Ramadan Directives
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance issued a circular ahead of Ramadan outlining new rules that apply to imams, muezzins, and mosque workers across the Kingdom.
The circular stressed the need for full attendance by mosque staff, allowing absences only in cases of extreme necessity and subject to official approval, with a substitute assigned in accordance with existing regulations.
Prayer Schedules and Congregational Timing Rules
The ministry instructed mosques to adhere strictly to prayer schedules based on the Umm Al Qura calendar.
It called for the Isha prayer call to be delivered on time and specified that the interval between the call to prayer and the start of congregational prayer should be set at 15 minutes, particularly for Isha and Fajr, to ease attendance for worshippers.
Tahajjud Prayer Guidelines During the Last 10 Nights
During the final 10 nights of Ramadan, the Tahajjud prayer should conclude before dawn in a way that does not cause hardship, the ministry said.
Tahajjud, a voluntary late-night prayer, holds deep significance for Muslims, especially during the last ten nights, which are widely regarded as a time for seeking divine mercy and blessings.
Rules on Qunut Supplication and Religious Lessons
The guidelines emphasised that supplications during the Qunut should follow prophetic tradition, marked by humility and restraint, and avoid excessive length or ornate rhyming.
Qunut is an act of supplication (dua) that fulfils the primary purpose of prayer and is prescribed on various occasions, with some scholarly differences regarding specific instances.
Imams were also encouraged to deliver religious lessons to congregations throughout Ramadan, in line with previous circulars.
Cameras, Broadcasting and Fundraising Restrictions
The ministry reiterated rules governing the installation of surveillance cameras inside mosques, stressing that they must not be used to film worshippers or imams during prayer.
It also banned the live broadcasting or transmission of prayers through any media platforms.
Begging inside mosques or in their immediate surroundings was strictly prohibited, with staff instructed to report violations immediately to security authorities.
I‘tikaf, Iftar and Donation Regulations
The directives addressed i‘tikaf practices, requiring mosques to register those observing seclusion, verify their details, and, for non-Saudis, obtain approval from a recognised sponsor.
The collection of cash donations for iftar programmes or similar initiatives was explicitly banned.
Iftar meals are to be organised only in designated mosque courtyards and under the supervision of mosque staff, with sites cleaned immediately after use.
Donations of bottled water must be regulated according to actual need, and large-scale storage was discouraged.
Enhanced Cleaning and Inspection Efforts
The ministry instructed its regional branches to intensify cleaning, maintenance, and supervision efforts, including in women’s prayer areas.
Inspectors were tasked with conducting daily field visits, submitting reports, and addressing violations without delay.
Preparing Mosques for a Safe and Organised Ramadan
Officials said the measures are part of the ministry’s broader efforts to ensure that mosques are fully prepared for Ramadan, providing a safe, organised, and spiritually supportive environment for worshippers.
