Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its ban on using outdoor loudspeakers for prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Sheikh Abdullatif Al Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, stated that mosques are only allowed to use external speakers for the adhan (call to prayer) and the iqama, which signals the start of congregational worship.
The announcement followed a circular issued by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Tuesday, outlining instructions for mosque preparations ahead of Ramadan. These include the following official prayer times according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar, maintaining the proper interval between adhan and iqama, hosting iftar meals only in designated courtyard areas, and managing water donations responsibly.
Mosque caretakers and maintenance teams have been urged to ensure all facilities are clean, safe, and fully ready, with special attention to women’s prayer areas. The ministry emphasized that these measures aim to create a peaceful, organized, and spiritually fulfilling environment for worshippers while respecting surrounding communities.
