The Riyadh branch of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance recently issued guidelines for imams for the month of Ramadan.
Imams in Riyadh are not permitted to collect unauthorized donations to organize iftar dinners in mosques. “Licensed charity organizations are the only agencies permitted to organize fast-breaking dinners,” Abdullah Al-Hamid, director general of the ministry’s Riyadh branch said recently.
The ministry has banned unlicensed preaching activities in mosques during the month of Ramadan. “Mosques should remain open 24 hours a day during the blessed month. Imams should stick to prayer timings specified in the Umm Al-Qura calendar and give prayer calls accordingly,” said Al-Hamid. The adhan for the Isha prayer should be called two hours after the Maghreb adhan.
Loudspeakers may not be used for taraweeh and qiyamallail. Internal speakers are permitted in mosques for taraweeh prayers. Mosques may use external loud speakers for congregational prayers but should not disrupt prayer in nearby mosques. Not more than four external horns in four directions can be used. Mosques are not permitted to install devices to jam mobile phones. Imams are instructed to receive permission from the ministry if there is need to delegate their duty of leading taraweeh prayers to another imam.
Imams receive government directive for Ramadan
