Saudi Arabia Bans Iftar In Mosques During Ramadan
Saudi Arabia has implemented a ban on iftar meals within mosques in preparation for the upcoming Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. Ramadan, scheduled to begin on March 10 and conclude by April 9, involves fasting from dawn to sunset, with the fast being broken each evening with a meal called iftar.
The ban is motivated by concerns over maintaining cleanliness within mosque premises after iftar meals. According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs on February 20, 2024, the Saudi government emphasized that iftar projects should not be conducted inside mosques.
Instead, imams and muezzins are instructed to arrange iftar in an appropriate place in the courtyards of the mosques, with the obligation for individuals breaking the fast to clean the area immediately after finishing their meal.
The ministry also directed mosque officials to refrain from soliciting financial donations for iftar projects and discouraged the use of cameras and photography within mosque premises. Additionally, broadcasting prayers through any media platform, including online, is not permitted.
