Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh inaugurated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ annual Ramadan programs in Riyadh on Wednesday. The programs include initiatives for breaking the fast, distributing copies of the Holy Qur’an, and providing dates to Muslims in 102 countries worldwide. These programs are implemented and supervised each year by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking to reporters during the launch, Al-Sheikh emphasized that these initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Muslims globally under the directives of the Saudi leadership. He highlighted the significance of these programs in strengthening Islamic solidarity, promoting religious awareness, and ensuring that Muslims worldwide receive essential spiritual and material support during the blessed month.

As part of the Holy Qur’an Distribution Program, 1.2 million copies of the Holy Qur’an will be sent to 45 countries, ensuring that Muslims across different regions have access to the holy text. Meanwhile, the Dates Distribution Program has been expanded this year, with 700 tons of dates to be sent to 102 countries, marking an increase of 200 tons from the previous year. Additionally, the Iftar Program will be implemented in 61 countries, providing meals to fasting individuals throughout Ramadan.

In efforts to enhance the Ramadan worship experience in various countries, the ministry will dispatch 46 imams to 22 countries, where they will lead Taraweeh and Ramadan prayers. Furthermore, the Holy Qur’an Memorization and Sunnah Competition will be held in 16 West African countries, encouraging young Muslims to engage with their faith through memorization and recitation.

To promote Islamic teachings and awareness, the ministry has organized 226,937 in-person preaching activities and 238 electronic preaching programs, which include 30 video episodes, 30 motion graphics, and 120 digital content pieces focusing on the objectives of fasting. In addition, 28 virtual Ramadan lectures will be held to address fasting regulations and other religious topics.

The Islamic Awareness Services for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit will also play a key role during Ramadan, offering 23.4 million services to more than 7 million beneficiaries. Meanwhile, digital initiatives have been strengthened with 30 million guidance slides, 70,000 digital copies of the Ramadan calendar, and 80,000 digital books available online. The ministry has also allocated 2.5 million printed materials for Umrah pilgrims, including books and brochures translated into nine languages to serve pilgrims from diverse backgrounds.