Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Okaz newspaper reported in its editorial that the return of the holy month of Ramadan brings an overwhelming spirituality and an atmosphere full of faith and discipline in words and deeds in order to achieve the purpose of fasting and its ultimate goal. The newspaper further added that with every advent of the holy month of Ramadan, Arabs, Muslims and Saudi people await the annual royal speech on this honorable occasion. About two billion Muslims listened to the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques due to the meanings it carries and high values that enhance Muslims' confidence and their belonging to their homelands. It also addressed the most prominent issues of Muslims. The importance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques's speech on the advent of Ramadan stems from the fact that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the destination for Muslims and because it is a pioneer in its call to benefit from the meanings of Ramadan since it is the month of mercy, the newspaper concluded. In another context, Al-Yaum and Al-Bilad newspapers reported in their editorials that with the advent of Ramadan, Muslims exert all efforts to perform good deeds along with performing prayers at mosques. Moreover, Ramadan 2021 is different from Ramadan 2020 due tremendous efforts made by the government to limit the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and preserve the society from the virus, since the precautions and measures were flexible to keep pace with any change and interact with any emergency. The newspapers added that plans and strategies that have been announced and prepared to ensure the safety of people during the blessed month of Ramadan, including the plans related to Umrah and visiting the Two Holy Mosques and Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers, come as an extension of the continuous efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made from the beginning of this crisis until the moment. Moreover, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance clarified that the committee concerned with reviewing the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of Health recommended that the Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers to be combined with evening (Isha) prayer, and not exceed 30 minutes in all mosques of the Kingdom, in order to reduce the length of the worshipers presence, which contributes to limiting the spread of the virus. The newspapers concluded that all these details present the government's efforts to protect the society and the seriousness of the situation since adherence to precautionary and preventive measures is the only way to overcome the current stage.
