The Saudi Arabian government has announced new measures to regulate the use of loudspeakers outside mosques during the holy month of Ramadan. Sheikh Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, stated that loudspeaker usage outside mosques will now be strictly confined to the calls to prayer (Adhan) and the commencement of prayer (Iqamah). The decision is intended to enhance the spiritual experience of worshippers while remaining consistent with the Kingdom’s religious and social guidelines.
On Tuesday, the Ministry issued a comprehensive set of instructions in preparation for Ramadan. These guidelines emphasise strict adherence to prayer timings, maintaining the proper intervals between the Adhan and Iqamah, and particularly observing the Asr prayer schedule with precision.
The Ministry also specified that iftar gatherings should only be conducted in designated areas within mosque courtyards. Ensuring cleanliness and the safety of worshippers will fall under the responsibility of mosque staff and maintenance teams. Special attention has been directed towards monitoring and securing prayer spaces allocated for women, with extra precautions to guarantee a safe environment.
According to officials, the primary objective of these measures is to provide a calm, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling atmosphere for worshippers, while preventing any inconvenience to nearby residents.
The key directives for mosque loudspeaker usage and prayer arrangements during Ramadan are summarised in the table below:
| Subject | Directive |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker Use | Permitted only during Adhan and Iqamah |
| Prayer Timings | Set according to Umm al-Qura calendar |
| Adhan–Iqamah Interval | Must be observed accurately for every prayer |
| Iftar Gatherings | Organised only in designated mosque courtyards |
| Cleanliness & Safety | Ensured by mosque staff and maintenance teams |
| Women’s Prayer Areas | Extra attention to monitoring and safety required |
Sheikh Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh emphasised, “Maintaining a wholly spiritual environment for worshippers during Ramadan is our foremost priority. Consequently, unnecessary loudspeaker use outside mosques has been strictly curtailed.”
Through these initiatives, the Saudi government seeks to harmonise religious observance with social responsibility, ensuring that Ramadan is observed in a manner that honours both faith and communal harmony. By regulating both prayer practices and related social conduct, the Kingdom aims to uphold its tradition of disciplined devotion while safeguarding public comfort.