Mashable: Ramadan 2024: Saudi Arabia issues Iftar rules at Grand Mosque in Mecca; Details here

Guidelines for individual and group benefactors who wish to serve the Iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca during the upcoming Ramadan have been issued.

According to the Gulf News, the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque have requested meal service providers to fill out applications and apply in line to provide meals, subject to specific conditions and standards.

The Grand Mosque in Makkah has announced new guidelines for accepting applications for iftar meal service providers during Ramadan. Individuals are limited to two sufras, while organizations can apply for up to ten. This initiative aims to enhance the Ramadan experience. pic.twitter.com/xirHtPNVEN

— About Islam (@AbtIslamNet) February 22, 2024
The Saudi state agency which is in charge of the Grand Mosque has noted that the would-be service providers can electronically select the Iftar site at the holy mosque. The benefactors are also required to contract a catering company approved by the Mecca mayoralty, or factories and warehouses authorized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

Meanwhile, the maximum Iftar sufras aka banquet is set at two for an individual benefactor, while a charity organization or group can apply for up to 10 banquets.

Only well-wrapped dry meals are asked to be served to worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan. The served meal consisting of coreless dates, a cake, a pie, and juice must adhere to approved packaging conditions which will be available at a later electronic link.

The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques also said that it hopes the Iftar arrangements will boost the experiences of worshippers and offer them quality service during this Ramadan.

Meanwhile, the holy month of Ramadan, in which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking every day from dawn to sunset is expected to start on March 11, 2024, this year.

NOTICE! 2024 Ramadan Dates:

1.Monday 11March 2024,Fasting begins
2. Tuesday 9 April 2024, Fasting ends.
3. Wednesday 10 April 2024, Eid Ul Fitr Prayers In Sha Allah
The prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)said:-Who ever informed others the days of Ramadan the hell fire is haram for Him/her pic.twitter.com/9S6LzEBtWA

— Nabeey_Rapper (@Muhamma02292509) February 17, 2024
Traditionally, Ramadan also marks the peak season of the holy pilgrimage of Umrah at the Grand Mosque. After performing Umrah, several pilgrims head to the city of Medina to offer prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, which is Islam’s second holiest site. The worshipers also visit other Islamic landmarks in the city.