Saeed Al-Khotani

Saudi Gazette



RIYADH — Thousands of mosques all over the Kingdom will start offering free communal iftar (breaking of the fast) meals throughout the holy month of Ramadan.



Helping fasting Muslims during Ramadan is considered one of the most recommended good deeds in Islam.



Over 1,500 mosques out of the total 4,000 in Riyadh are expected to offer iftar meals from Wednesday.



Saudi Gazette witnessed tents being set up near mosques in many neighborhoods.



It is estimated that more than a quarter of a million Muslims will benefit from the iftar meals in the capital.



Many low-income expatriate residents tend to take advantage of these meals.

It is rare nowadays to see Saudis at these events apart from the organizers, although in the past it was very normal to see citizens, especially neighbors of the mosque.



Sources at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs told Saudi Gazette that not every mosque is automatically allowed to organize communal iftars.

They have to be licensed mosques, they said.



To be approved for a license, a mosque must apply in advance and meet certain criteria. This includes a commitment from the mosque and its staff not to collect money from any donor to organize the event.



Funds for organizing such events should be channeled through bank accounts or registered charitable societies and official receipts produced.



Also, mosque affiliates or workers should not give money as charity to people attending the iftars.



Iftars must be organized whenever possible outside mosques and in tents that meet Civil Defense regulations.



This rule is meant to keep mosques clean and free from food odors that may bother worshipers.



The Ministry of Interior has requested Saudis and residents, whether they are Muslim or not, to respect a law that prevents public consumption of food and drink or smoking during Ramadan to avoid offending fasters and respect the sanctity of the holy month.



The ministry warned that violators of this rule could face severe punishment, as well as deportation if the offender is an expatriate.



The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has been given the responsibility of ensuring this rule is adhered to.