Religious Affairs: A call to adhere to the etiquette of Friday in the Two Holy Mosques
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque issued an important invitation to all those who visit the Two Holy Mosques, including worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors, to adhere to the etiquette of Friday, and to be mindful of the greatness of this virtuous day and its status in Islam, in order to contribute to the glorification of God’s rituals and to achieve humility and presence of heart during the performance of acts of worship.
The importance of arriving early and listening attentively to the sermon
In its statement, the Presidency emphasized a number of established Prophetic traditions and etiquettes, foremost among them arriving early for prayer to reap its great reward, maintaining ritual purity and using perfume, and displaying tranquility and dignity upon entering and exiting. It also stressed the importance of listening attentively to the Friday sermon and refraining from distractions such as side conversations or using mobile phones, noting that abstaining from idle talk and anything that diverts from remembrance and supplication reflects respect for the sanctity of the place and time and fulfills the intended purposes of worship.
The status of Friday and the virtue of the Two Holy Mosques
Friday holds special significance in the Islamic consciousness, being the best day on which the sun rises and the weekly day of celebration for Muslims. This significance is amplified when the sanctity of the time is combined with the sanctity of the place in the Two Holy Mosques, where prayer in the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) is equivalent to one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere, and in the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) to one thousand prayers elsewhere. This immense virtue requires pilgrims to conduct themselves with civility and faith, respecting the sanctity of these holy sites and avoiding anything that might disturb the peace of worship for others.
The role and mission of the Presidency of Religious Affairs
These directives are part of the Presidency of Religious Affairs' awareness strategy, which aims to enhance religious understanding and enrich the spiritual experience of worshippers. Through its guidance programs and educational lessons, the Presidency seeks to create an ideal atmosphere for worship, enabling worshippers to perform their rituals with tranquility and devotion. Adherence to organizational and legal guidelines is a fundamental pillar for the successful management of the millions of people who gather weekly for Friday prayers.
The impact of compliance with regulations on service quality
The Presidency concluded its statement by emphasizing that worshippers' adherence to instructions and field regulations directly contributes to maintaining everyone's safety and comfort. Cooperation with the relevant authorities facilitates entry and exit, prevents overcrowding in corridors and at entrances, enhances the quality of religious and field services provided at the Two Holy Mosques, and reflects the positive image of those visiting the Sacred House of God and the Prophet's Mosque.
