Saudi Arabia Banned Iftar Promotions
Saudi Arabia has formally banned all iftar meal promotions and distributions on the grounds of the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina during the holy month of Ramadan in an effort to maintain the sanctity and guarantee the security of worshippers.
Tables and Tents Are Targeted by New Regulations
Companies, organizations, and individuals are specifically prohibited from engaging in any kind of promotional iftar campaign under the new regulations, which were issued by the Presidency for Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. The ban entails erecting tables or tents to serve food within the mosques or in the plazas and courtyards that surround them.
Sanctity and Safety Above Spectacle
Safety and spirituality are the two main justifications for the prohibition. The large, unplanned crowds that frequently gather around these meal distributions can cause crowding, traffic jams, and even accidents, endangering the health of the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy sites, according to authorities, who raised serious concerns about public safety.
In addition, it was believed that these marketing campaigns were upsetting the peace and devotion that are central to Ramadan, occasionally fostering a competitive or commercialized environment that undermines the fundamental principles of prayer and introspection.
A King-Sized Fix Enters
The Presidency is supporting the existing, professionally managed, designated iftar services in place of these dispersed initiatives. The mosques’ official iftar program, which is known for its enormous scope and flawless organization, is run by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). This state-supervised system ensures the effective, hygienic, respectful, and orderly distribution of meals.
Millions Feeding the Faithful
The official iftar program is a giant undertaking. Over 1.5 million iftar meals were prepared for worshippers during Ramadan at the Great Mosque in Mecca alone last year.
To guarantee that everyone can break their fast in peace and without the chaos of uncontrolled distributions, these meals are packaged and distributed in a methodical manner.
Restoration of Order and Respect
Saudi authorities hope to give all pilgrims a more respectable and safe experience by centralizing the iftar service. The ruling reaffirms the government’s resolve to handle the enormous logistical demands of the Hajj and Umrah seasons while making sure that, during the auspicious month, the main priorities at Islam’s holiest sites continue to be prayer, community, and spiritual fulfillment.
