His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, issued an urgent directive to all branches of the Ministry throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, mandating the immediate completion of all necessary preparations and arrangements for the Eid al-Fitr prayer of 1447 AH. This directive comes as part of the ongoing efforts to prepare mosques and Eid prayer grounds to receive worshippers in an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion.

Setting prayer times and preparing prayer areas

The ministerial circular included a precise time for the Eid prayer, directing that it be held fifteen (15) minutes after sunrise, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, in all regions of the Kingdom. The directive also emphasized holding the prayer in open-air Eid prayer grounds, in addition to large mosques in the regions, with the exception of mosques adjacent to prayer grounds or those located in uninhabited centers and villages, where the designated Eid prayer ground in those areas is sufficient.

The importance of reviving the Sunnah and taking care of mosques

The emphasis on holding Eid prayers in open-air prayer grounds stems from a revival of the Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Going out to the prayer ground on the two Eids is a confirmed Sunnah that manifests the rituals of Islam and brings Muslims together in a magnificent display of unity and solidarity. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs ensures annually that these areas are prepared and equipped with suitable carpets, advanced sound systems, and maintenance and cleaning services to guarantee the comfort and safety of worshippers during the prayer.

Dealing with the Eid holiday approval for Friday

In the context of legal and organizational arrangements, the directive addressed the situation where Eid falls on a Friday. His Excellency the Minister emphasized to the imams the necessity of holding the Friday prayer at its usual time in the mosques, and not limiting it to the Eid prayer. This is to facilitate matters for Muslims and to enable those who did not attend the Eid prayer or who wish to attain the reward of the Friday prayer to perform the obligatory prayer, which is in accordance with the established legal rulings on this matter.

Efforts made to serve worshippers

This early directive reflects the keen interest of the wise leadership – may God support them – represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, in providing exceptional care for mosques and prayer areas, and ensuring the comfort of worshippers. The Ministry, through specialized field teams, monitors the readiness of these sites in terms of cleanliness, maintenance, and operation, guaranteeing that Muslims can perform their prayers in a healthy and safe environment. This highlights the Kingdom's shining example of serving Islam and Muslims and upholding religious rites.

His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, received today (Wednesday) in his office at the Emirate’s Diwan, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Qadisiyah Club Company, Mr. Badr Al-Ruziza, accompanied by the winners of first place in the Al-Qadisiyah Club competition for memorizing and reciting the Holy Quran, which was held as part of the activities of the third edition of the Al-Qadisiyah Ramadan season.

Continuous care for the Book of God

At the outset of the meeting, the Governor of the Eastern Province affirmed that caring for and venerating the Holy Quran is a deeply rooted principle upon which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been founded since its establishment, and which its wise leadership continues to uphold. His Highness pointed out that supporting those who memorize the Holy Quran and encouraging young people to engage with it through recitation, contemplation, and application is a fundamental pillar in building a generation that is aware of and committed to the values ​​of its true Islamic faith, and whose way of life is guided by the upright teachings of the Quran. This, in turn, positively impacts their behavior and their service to their nation and society.

Details of the third edition of the competition

The third edition of the competition witnessed a large turnout and fair competition. Badr Al-Ruziza, president of Al-Qadisiyah Club, explained that this year's competition saw a remarkable 721 registered participants, a number reflecting the keen interest of the region's youth in participating in faith-based programs. Participants underwent rigorous selection and screening processes conducted in fruitful cooperation with the Eastern Province Quran Memorization Society to ensure the application of the highest judging standards according to established regulations.

The preliminary rounds resulted in 375 contestants qualifying for the final stages, distributed across five diverse branches that take into account different levels. 70 contestants participated in the first branch, 70 in the second branch, 80 in the third branch, 80 in the fourth branch, while the fifth branch, which is concerned with recitation, witnessed the participation of 75 contestants.

Valuable awards and a leading community role

To motivate participants, the organizing committee allocated valuable cash prizes totaling 75,000 riyals, distributed among 20 winners who excelled in the various categories of the competition. This initiative aims to foster a spirit of competition in memorizing and reciting the Holy Quran.

For his part, Al-Ruziza expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Prince of the Eastern Province for his generous patronage and unwavering support of the Al-Qadisiyah Ramadan season. He emphasized that the competition witnessed a qualitative leap this year with the addition of a recitation track, thus broadening participation. He added that these events are part of activating the community role of sports clubs, affirming that Al-Qadisiyah Club's role extends beyond sports to encompass cultural and social aspects, contributing to strengthening community partnerships and instilling noble values ​​in young people.