Saudi Arabia imposes strict restrictions on mosque loudspeakers during Ramzan month

Samarth

Iftar banned inside mosques

(Right side) Dr Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh, Saudi Minister of Islamic affairs

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) – In a circular issued by Dr Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Alsheikh, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, stated that all branches of the Ministry must ensure compliance with the guidelines issued for the Holy month of Ramzan. The new regulations apply from 22^nd March 2023. According to this circular, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has imposed strict restrictions on Ramzan practices this year. Loudspeakers in mosques are prohibited as per this order while worshippers are ordered not to hold Iftar inside the mosques.

Saudi Arabia imposes strict restrictions during Ramzan month: Loudspeakers prohibited, worshippers ordered to do Iftar inside mosques and morehttps://t.co/KSakaeBcyX

— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) March 11, 2023

The circular further instructs the Imams and muezzins to adhere to the calendar and timings of all the prayers during the month. They have been asked to keep the evening prayers short and complete the night prayers within sufficient time so that worshippers do not have to face any inconvenience.

At mosques, it is also forbidden to take pictures or use cameras to broadcast worshippers or the recital of prayers by any medium. Also, the Ministry prohibits bringing children to mosques.

(Credit : NewsX ) 

Muslim clerics in India are furious

ulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, who has objected to the circular, said the decision was illegal. He said that wherever loudspeaker is used, it should not be stopped and where loudspeaker is not used, it is not required. Citing India as an example, Maulana Rizvi said loudspeakers have been used in mosques in India since Independence. There is no such restriction in India. Saudi should reverse its decision. (Whenever the fanatics in India get an opportunity, they will even go to the extent of advising or crtiticising the actions that do not suit their whims and fancies ! This situation will change in our country only when the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is established. – Editor)

Editorial viewpoint

Would this ever happen in India ?