The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is to exempt “elderly imams” from their duties during Ramadan as they are “unable to lead worshippers in prayer for long periods of time,” Al-Yawm Arabic daily reported Thursday. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hashim, a ministry official in Al-Ahsa, told Al-Yawm that the Ramadan “taraweeh” and “qiyam” prayers were particularly challenging for imams advanced in age, and that the “temporary measure” was decided as the administration prepares for the holy month. “The minister of Islamic affairs has issued instructions after personally inspecting mosques in the region to ensure they are fully prepared to provide everything necessary, from maintenance of loudspeakers, provision of copies of the Qur'an, and replacement of worn out carpets,” Al-Hashim said. The holy month of Ramadan possibly begins in Saudi Arabia and the Mideast region on Aug. 11 depending upon the visibility of the new moon.
