In a move aimed at preserving the sanctity and continuity of worship at Islam’s two holiest sites, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al‑Sudais, President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, has mandated the appointment of backup imams and muezzins for every obligatory prayer at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
The new directive ensures that each of the five daily prayers at both mosques will now have a designated primary imam and muezzin, supported by secondary officials ready to step in should the need arise. The policy was issued under the authority of the Agency for Imams and Muezzins, which oversees religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
According to the updated framework, the presence of standby imams and muezzins will guarantee that prayer services proceed without delay or interruption, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as sudden illness or scheduling challenges affecting the main officiants.
Sheikh Al-Sudais emphasized that this measure not only strengthens the operational efficiency of prayer coordination but also upholds the revered status of the Two Holy Mosques as spiritual epicenters for over a billion Muslims around the world. He noted that the move aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to elevate service delivery and ensure the highest standards of organization during all worship sessions.
With millions of pilgrims and local worshippers attending prayers at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque daily, particularly during peak periods such as Ramadan and Hajj, the assurance of seamless and punctual prayer sessions remains a top priority for the Saudi authorities.
The implementation of the standby system is already in effect, with religious and administrative bodies at both mosques instructed to adhere strictly to the new guidelines. It is expected to enhance the consistency of the adhan (call to prayer) and congregation-led salat, offering worshippers a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience at any time of the day.
This initiative, according to officials, reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in preserving the spiritual atmosphere of the holy sites while maintaining operational excellence and reliability in the management of Islamic rituals.
