Saudi Arabia Sets Strict Rules for Mosques During Ramadan 2026

January 23, 2026

New regulations mandate strict attendance for religious workers, set prayer timings, and organize charitable activities in mosques throughout Ramadan.

majestic interior of al madinah mosque corridor

Photo by Md Amir Umar

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Imams and mosque workers must ensure full attendance, with absences requiring official approval and a substitute.
Prayer schedules must strictly follow the Umm Al Qura calendar, with a 15-minute gap between Adhan and Iqamah for Isha and Fajr.
Iftar programs, donations, and I’tikaf registrations are regulated, while begging and live prayer broadcasts are banned.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has released its official directives for mosque operations during the upcoming Ramadan 1447 AH (2026).

The instructions apply to all imams, muezzins, and mosque employees across the Kingdom, outlining protocols for staffing, prayer management, and organized charitable activities.

Staff Must Attend Throughout Ramadan

A key directive mandates full attendance for religious staff throughout the holy month.

Absences will only be permitted in cases of “extreme necessity” with prior official approval, and a qualified substitute must be assigned in accordance with existing regulations.

Prayer Times and Schedules

The ministry also provided specific prayer timing guidelines, requiring mosques to strictly follow the Umm Al Qura calendar.

The Adhan for Isha must be delivered on time, with a 15-minute interval set between the call to prayer (Adhan) and its commencement (Iqamah) for both Isha and Fajr prayers to facilitate congregation attendance.

For the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Tahajjud prayer must conclude well before dawn to avoid causing hardship for worshippers who need time to prepare for the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and Fajr prayer.

Camera and Broadcasting Rules

The installation of surveillance cameras inside mosques is permitted for security purposes, but they must not film worshippers or imams during prayer to preserve privacy and dignity.

Live broadcasting or transmitting prayers via any media platform is strictly prohibited, maintaining the sanctity of worship and preventing unauthorized commercial use of religious services.

Begging inside mosques or their surroundings is also banned, with staff instructed to report violators to security authorities.

Charity and Zakat Rules

Zakat and donations must be directed to legitimate recipients through approved channels. Individuals wishing to perform I’tikaf must be formally registered by the mosque, with personal details verified.

Non-Saudi residents must obtain approval from their sponsor before registering for I’tikaf, in accordance with residency regulations.

Iftar Meals and Donations

Organized iftar meals are permitted only in designated mosque courtyards under staff supervision, with immediate cleanup required after each meal.

However, the collection of cash donations for iftar programs is explicitly banned to prevent misuse of funds and ensure accountability. Instead, iftar programs should be organized through official channels with transparent funding sources.

Donations of bottled water must be regulated based on actual need, and large-scale storage is discouraged to avoid waste and ensure efficient distribution.

Mosques are encouraged to coordinate with suppliers to provide fresh supplies as needed rather than accumulating excessive inventory.