Khaberni - The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has officially banned the photography of imams and worshipers during prayers in mosques. Minister Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh explained that the decision comes «within the official instructions aimed at safeguarding sincerity in worship, and preventing anything that might lead to showing off or seeking eclat and praise». The minister revealed after launching the seasonal programs of the Ministry for the month of Ramadan that the Ministry has issued several directives to prepare mosques, serve worshipers, organize the fast-breaking, and assign field surveillance teams to follow up on compliance with the regulations and instructions.
Previously, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance issued a set of directives and guidelines for preparing mosques during the month of Ramadan, and emphasized the regulations and instructions governing the work of mosque personnel in all regions of the Kingdom, contributing to serving worshipers and achieving the Ministry's mission and general objectives, coinciding with the holy month. The circular stressed to mosque personnel, including imams and muezzins, the necessity of full regular attendance at work, and not to be absent except for utmost necessity, with the assignment of substitutes during periods of absence after approval by the competent branch, according to the permissible duration by law, and providing a commitment to not neglect their responsibilities.
The ministry's circular emphasized the importance of adhering to the prophetic guidance in the Qunoot prayer, to be performed with humility and submission, avoiding prolongation or unnatural phrasing, focusing on the correct and well-established supplications.
