The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance has warned Imams and Muezzins against being absent from work in mosques, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The ministry said being absent from work is a breach of trust and will result in punishment ranging from the issuing of a warning, to a deduction from salary, to dismissal from one's post. The ministry warned Imams and Muezzins against resorting to deputizing others to carry out their duties without first securing the ministry's approval, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan and especially during the last ten days of the month. In a letter circulated to Imams, the ministry said Imams who deputize others without approval are deemed to be negligent in carrying out their duties and in violation of the directives issued in this regard. The circular said that it is completely forbidden to deputize non-Saudis for whatever the reasons whether in return for money or for free. Dr. Tawfiq Al-Sudairi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for Mosques Affairs, said that the ministry calls upon Imams to keep mosques open throughout the day so as to enable Muslims to worship and glorify Allah until the end of Qiyam prayers. He stressed that an investigation committee has been formed to look into violations by Imams and Muezzins and that the necessary measures will be taken against those who are in violation of the regulations. He added that during Ramadan, field teams will be increased to monitor mosques, Imams and Muezzins and that these teams will promptly deal with any negligence. He further stated that the majority of Imams are abiding by the directives and the number of violations is small. The ministry stressed that Muezzins should abide by the times for “Azan” (call to prayer) according to the timings on the Umm Al-Qura calendar. It said that the call for Isha prayer should be two hours after the call for Maghrib prayer in line with instructions issued by the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom in this regard.
