Saudi Arabia readies for Eid Al Fitr: Prayer to be held 15 minutes after sunrise

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, has directed all ministry branches to hold Eid Al Fitr prayers 15 minutes after sunrise at designated locations.

The prayers will also take place in mosques, except for those adjacent to Eid prayer grounds or those not typically used for Eid prayers in certain towns and villages, where residents will gather at local prayer grounds instead.

The ministry's circular, detailing the instructions for performing Eid Al-Fitr prayers specifies:

• Eid prayer should be held in designated Eid prayer mosques as well as in all mosques in the region, except for those close to Eid prayer mosques or those rarely used for Eid prayers in certain areas, where local mosques will suffice.

• Maintenance and operations companies have been tasked with ensuring that mosques are fully prepared in advance for the occasion.

• Designated imams are instructed to lead the Eid Al Fitr prayer 15 minutes after sunrise, according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, across all regions.

Additionally, the circular emphasises that in case of rainfall, prayers should be conducted inside designated mosques for the safety and comfort of worshippers, allowing them to pray in a calm, spiritual environment.

Preparations for Eid Al Fitr prayer

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has made extensive preparations to ensure all mosques and open-air prayer areas are ready for the Eid Al Fitr prayer.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that these efforts reflect a commitment to creating a welcoming and spiritually fulfilling experience for worshippers.

Across the Kingdom, hygiene protocols such as cleaning and sterilisation have been strictly implemented. Additionally, maintenance work has been carried out on electrical systems, air conditioning, and audio equipment to ensure the optimal comfort of all those participating in the prayer.