When you hear the word 'Islam', what country comes to your mind? Most people would definitely answer Saudi Arabia. The image of an Islamic state and a country of 98,800 mosques is firmly attached to Saudi Arabia.
In the moment of Ramadan 2022, the government of Saudi Arabia makes a decision that grabs attention. It even caught the attention of the media and netizens too!
One of the new regulations prohibits mosques from using loudspeakers. So what do you mean? Eits, hold the protest first.
Let's see first what Saudi Arabia's new policies are so that we don't misunderstand. Listen, come on!
1. No Donations
No donation doesn't mean you can't give to the mosque at all. That is, the government prohibits mosque administrators and employees from collecting money from fasting people for the iftar agenda.
The donations received are in the form of goods or food to break the fast together. Then, it must also come from a store that has a government license.
In fact, quoted from Arab News, the government also prohibits giving money donations to beggars on the street. If you want to give zakat or donations, you must go through a trusted platform or organization. As for the reason, the government said it was afraid that the money would not be used properly, such as to finance terrorism.
2. Want Bukber? Report First!
If here we just make an appointment if we want to break the fast where? In Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia must have permission from the Ministry first, you know! Large organizations such as government organizations or other large organizations must have a permit if they want to hold a bukber event.
For private groups or individuals, you don't have to apply for a permit, but you still have to follow government regulations. The rules include no wastage of food and it is mandatory to get iftar food only from government-approved shops.
Duh, can you imagine if you use the same rules here? Maybe it's just a memory of ngabuburit or looking for fried food on the side of the road.
3. Worship is not broadcast
The state-run press office announced that the Arab Ministry of Islamic Affairs banned the live broadcast of prayers from mosques during Ramadan.
Prayer services are also prohibited from being a live broadcast (streaming) from all media. The ministry also banned the use of cameras to record imams and worshipers during prayers in any mosque.
The goal is that worship is not disturbed and continues to be solemn.
4. Loudspeaker
This is what caught the attention of Indonesian netizens the most. Especially because recently the Indonesian Minister of Religion also thought about enacting the same thing.
In Saudi Arabia itself, it is regulated that the mosque's external loudspeaker is only used for the first and second calls (adhan and ikamah). The sound should also be of average amplitude and not too loud.
As for the mosque's internal loudspeakers, it is permissible to use it, but there are rules. The loudness level of the internal loudspeakers in the mosque should not exceed one third of the maximum level of the loudspeakers.
This rule was made considering Saudi Arabia has 98,000 mosques. Sounds that are too loud and at the same time are feared to disturb other people, especially those who are sick. The Saudi Arabian government has reminded all mosques to comply with the rules.
That's a series of new regulations released by Saudi Arabia. There are rules, of course there's a reason behind them too! What do you think?