Mosques in to stay open all day in Ramadan

JEDDAH: Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Saleh Al-Asheikh has approved a plan to ensure that all mosques stay open all day in Ramadan. Ali Al-Abdali, general manager of the ministry in Makkah, said the plan includes ensuring all mosques are prepared at the miqaats — the places where pilgrims don the ihram, two unstitched pieces of clothing in the case of men, before entering Makkah to perform Umrah, a local publication reported. Al-Abdali said that the preparation including cleaning carpets, providing copies of the Holy Qur’an, and the maintenance of sound, light, ablution and air conditioning systems. The aim is to ensure pilgrims can carry out their rituals peacefully while fasting. He said the mosques would remain open all day long to allow the worshipers to stay and perform worship and prayer until the end of the optional night prayers. He urged cleaners to redouble their efforts and the muezzins to call people to prayer at the correct times. Al-Abdali said the plan includes an order for the imams of mosques to hold lessons for the people after Asr prayers. In addition, they should not raise the sound levels of their amplifiers beyond level four, to avoid disturbing prayers at other mosques. He said that the imams of mosques must ensure that worshipers do not to sleep inside mosques, and that everyone is on alert for any suspicious activities. In addition, those wishing to make donations must do so through approved charitable associations. Arab News