The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has banned people from providing Iftar meals in mosques during Ramadan unless they have permission from the ministry. Tawfeek Abdul Aziz Al-Sudairi, undersecretary at the ministry said the motive behind the decision was to organize and manage charities, especially during Ramadan when people give a lot in charity, Al-Riyadh reported. Imams, muezzins and cleaners of mosques will not be allowed to accept cash donations for Iftars. The ministry appoints muezzins only to supervise the Iftars donated for the poor and needy at different mosques, Al-Sudairi said. All cash donations must be given to charity organizations. He said if someone wants to provide Iftar at a mosque, he must first get permission from the region's governorate. The meal eaten prior to fasting is a Suhoor and the meal eaten to break the fast at sunset is an Iftar. In Islam it is encouraged to provide Iftar meals for people who are fasting. Mosques around the world arrange these meals during Ramadan.
