Ministry of Islamic Affairs sets seven regulations for Iftar banquets at mosques

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has issued a new circular outlining seven approved regulations governing the organization of Iftar banquets for fasting worshippers in mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.

The move reflects the ministry’s commitment to organizing Ramadan activities inside and around mosques and ensuring that religious rituals are performed in a safe, orderly environment.

The directive comes as Ramadan approaches and demand rises for setting up Iftar tables — a practice widely regarded as a symbol of social solidarity.

The ministry stressed the importance of balancing charitable initiatives with preserving the sanctity of mosques and ensuring the safety of worshippers. The circular focuses on organizing Iftar locations, supervision mechanisms, cleanliness and public safety.

The ministry underscored the need to complete official procedures in advance and to comply with technical and regulatory requirements. It particularly emphasized preventing the erection of Iftar tents within mosque boundaries or supplying them with electricity, as part of its responsibility to safeguard worshippers and ensure prayers are performed without disruption.

The circular, issued by the Ahmadi Governorate Mosques Administration and addressed to imams, preachers and muezzins, cited Circular No. (2025/4M) from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and specified the following regulations:

• Parties wishing to organize Iftar banquets must submit an official letter to the administration to obtain approval after coordinating with the mosque’s imam.
• Iftar banquets are permitted only in mosque courtyards. Tables may be set up 30 minutes before the Maghreb call to prayer and must be removed immediately after Iftar.
• Organizers are responsible for providing meals and garbage bags for the banquets. All leftover waste must be collected in garbage bags and placed in designated bins outside the mosque.
• The Maghreb prayer is to be held 15 minutes after the Azhan.
• The erection of Iftar tents within mosque boundaries is not allowed.
• It is strictly prohibited to connect electricity from mosques to Ramadan tents set up adjacent to mosque walls. Such tents fall outside the ministry’s supervision and responsibility.
• The ministry affirmed that these measures aim to maintain order, cleanliness and safety while enabling the community to continue its Ramadan charitable traditions in a regulated manner.