New iftar rules announced for Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW) this ramadan

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, arrangements for iftar at the Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW) in Madinah have been finalized, with authorities introducing new guidelines for meal providers.

According to Gulf News, service providers will be allowed to include two additional food items alongside the standard menu this year, offering worshippers more variety in their iftar meals.

The General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques has specified that the essential iftar menu will continue to include dates, bread, yogurt, wrapped tissues, and water.

However, meal providers in Madinah can now add items such as nuts, cupcakes, pies, maamoul, cream, or stuffed dates.

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To maintain service quality, the authority has instructed catering companies in Madinah to update their data and obtain the necessary permits.

Only registered firms with proven experience in catering for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims will be allowed to provide iftar meals.

Companies must also meet strict hygiene and logistical requirements, including having at least three licensed refrigerated vehicles, designated packing facilities of no less than 600 square meters, and a clean record for the past two years.

Additionally, these firms must coordinate closely with designated officials at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to ensure the smooth transportation and distribution of iftar meals.

Authorities are committed to upholding high standards for food quality and service, ensuring a seamless experience for those breaking their fast at this sacred site.

Earlier, the government of Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government will not include Utility Stores in this year’s Ramadan Relief Package in an effort to stop ‘corruption’ and the distribution of ‘subpar’ goods to the public.

While addressing the federal cabinet, PM Shehbaz said, “As the Holy Ramazan is about to start, I have asked the Ministry of National Food Security to bring about a Ramadan Package without Utility Stores to prevent corruption and the sale of low-quality material. I asked many months ago if this could not go on with the utility stores.”

The prime minister informed the cabinet members that the government had received several complaints over the Utility Stores’ implementation of the Ramadan Relief Package the previous year. “As a result, the government has come up with a way to offer the facility without the Utility Stores,” he added.