Ramadan In Kuwait
7 Regulations for Iftar Banquets in Kuwait’s Mosques
As the crescent of the fasting month approaches, and in
recognition of the sanctity of time and the honor of place, the need grows for
collective efforts to preserve mosques as havens of tranquility and serenity.
To ensure they remain clean sanctuaries welcoming worshippers in an atmosphere
befitting the majesty of worship, the importance of institutional organization
of seasonal rituals becomes evident.
In this context, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has
introduced a new regulatory framework for holding iftar banquets in mosques,
aimed at safeguarding the sanctity of the place and the safety of worshippers.
The Mosques Administration issued a binding circular to
religious staff, outlining seven essential requirements to regulate charitable
activities during the holy month. The details are as follows:
1.
Approval and Coordination Requirements
The ministry stressed the need for entities wishing to host
banquets to follow the official administrative process, requiring prior
coordination with the mosque’s imam and submission of an official letter to the
Mosques Administration to obtain licenses and necessary approvals.
2.
Defining the Spatial Scope
The ministry restricted the hosting of iftar banquets
to the mosque’s external courtyards only, prohibiting use of the inner
sanctuary to preserve cleanliness and prepare the space for worshippers.
3.
Preparation Schedule
The ministry directed that food be laid out only 30 minutes
before the call to prayer, emphasizing swift removal and cleaning of the site
immediately after iftar.
4.
Provision of Supplies
Organizers are required to bear full responsibility for
providing all logistical needs, from food mats to garbage bags and
organizational materials.
5.
Cleanliness and Waste Management
The ministry stressed general hygiene standards, obligating
organizers to collect food remnants and waste in designated bags and dispose of
them in garbage containers located outside the mosque premises.
6.
Timing of Prayer
The ministry set the interval between the call to prayer and
the commencement of Maghrib prayer at 15 minutes, ensuring punctuality
and ease for worshippers.
7.
Safety Restrictions and Tents
Regarding safety measures, the ministry prohibited the
erection of iftar tents within mosque boundaries. It also strictly banned
connecting electricity from the mosque to adjacent Ramadan tents,
absolving itself of responsibility for those tents and safeguarding lives and
public property.
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