KUWAIT CITY, Feb 7: In line with its commitment to regulate the collection of donations, Taraweeh prayers and Iftar banquets in mosques during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has instructed the mosque staff — including imams, preachers and muezzins — to comply with the directives, particularly the 11 guidelines circulated by the Mosques Department. The circular states that, as part of its efforts to regulate mosque affairs and ensure the safety of mosques and worshippers, the department stresses the importance of adhering to the following: The use of external mosque loudspeakers is prohibited during the five daily prayers, as well as during Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers. The collection of donations inside mosques, whether in cash or through electronic means, is prohibited except by parties authorized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. A list of approved charitable organizations will be announced at a later date.
Credentials
Verification of the identities and credentials of staff members from charitable organizations is required, and only those authorized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs are permitted. Any party wishing to organize Iftar meals at a mosque must submit an official request to the administration to obtain approval, in coordination with the mosque imam. Iftar meals must be held in the mosque courtyards. Meals should be laid out half an hour before the call to prayer and removed after the Iftar period. Responsibility for organizing and managing Iftar meals rests with the organizers of the Iftar project, under the supervision of the mosque imam.
The erection of Ramadan tents, fences, or any other structures within the mosque’s boundaries is prohibited without the knowledge and approval of the administration. Connecting the mosque’s electricity supply to Ramadan tents erected adjacent to the mosque walls is strictly forbidden to ensure the safety of worshippers. These tents are not subject to the administration’s supervision or responsibility. Strict adherence to the mosque charter is required. No donor is permitted to carry out any work at the mosque, whether construction, major maintenance, or the installation of equipment, without prior consultation with and approval from the administration. Unauthorized technicians or workers are prohibited from carrying out any maintenance work inside mosques. Reports concerning emergency maintenance must be submitted through the Mosques Department.
