Saudi Arabia bans iftar in mosques during Ramadan

Saudi Arabia has banned iftar meals in mosques ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, citing concerns about cleanliness inside mosque premises after eating the meal which follows a day of fasting.

In a notice released by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs last week, the Saudi Arabian government said that "iftar projects should not be carried out inside mosques out of concern for their cleanliness".

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The #Ministry_of_Islamic_Affairs, Dawah and Guidance issues a number of instructions related to mosques during the blessed month of #Ramadan 1445 AH. pic.twitter.com/bbyWZLeOwl

— Ministry of Islamic Affairs 🇸🇦 (@Saudi_MoiaEN) February 20, 2024

"Imams and Muezzins should find an appropriate place for iftar in the courtyards of the mosques. No temporary rooms or tents should be created for this purpose," the notice added.

The ministry also stressed that mosque imams and muezzins should not collect financial donations for iftar projects for those fasting.

Along with the bans, using cameras and photography inside the mosque premises is also discouraged and prayers should not be broadcast on any form of media, including online media.

The holy month of Ramadan is set to begin on March 10 and conclude by April 9 this year.