Saudi Arabia has banned the practice of collecting funds for iftar feasts in mosques during the holy month of Ramadan (Mar. 11 to Apr. 9) or Ramzan as it is called in India. Gulf News reports that the ban has been ordered by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs which is in charge of all mosques in the country.
The report said such feasts should not be held in mosques as they need to be kept clean, and it is better if these are shifted to designated areas in courtyards.
The new orders include a ban on cameras inside mosques that film the imam leading the prayers. The report said such cameras tended to distract worshippers. Transmitting and broadcasting the prayers through any other media is also banned.
Muezzins who make the call to prayer are also required to adhere to prayer timings as set in the Saudi calendar. This includes the time when the call to prayer has been made and the beginning of the actual prayer.
The report said “Imams are being exhorted to not prolong the time of Taraweeh, voluntarily nightly prayers offered during Ramadan, and to deliver sermons beneficial to worshippers especially those relating to the rules of fasting and merits during the sacred month of Ramadan.”
During this coming holy month, Muslims are expected to abstain from all eating and drinking from dawn to sunset.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also announced that nikah or marriage contracts can be conducted at Islam’s two holiest sites: the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
The Middle East Monitor citing the Saudi newspaper Al Watan, said the move is an opportunity for companies to come up with innovative ideas to organise such events at these holy sites.
The report quoted a marriage official as saying that this is allowed in Islam as the Prophet is known to have conducted a companion’s nuptials at the mosque.
