Ahead of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia forbids iftar inside mosques

Ahead of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia forbids iftar inside mosques

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, citing worries about cleanliness, has issued an order prohibiting iftar meals within mosque premises ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs published a notification last week that included stringent instructions for observing iftar, the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan.

The notice states that in order to maintain cleanliness, iftar initiatives are not allowed to be carried out within mosques. Rather, the authorities at the mosques are directed to set up appropriate spots for iftar dinners in the mosque courtyards.

It is expressly forbidden under the directive to set up makeshift tents or rooms for iftar.

The ministry further declared that imams and muezzins of mosques are prohibited from requesting monetary contributions for iftar initiatives that cater to persons who are fasting.

In an additional effort to control activities on mosque property, it is forbidden to broadcast prayers on any medium, including internet platforms, and cameras and photography are discouraged.

In Saudi Arabia, the holy month of Ramadan is anticipated to start on March 10–11 and end on April 9–10.