New Regulations to Build Mosques

The Charity Foundation for Building Mosques (Masajed) announced new regulations for any organization or individual wanting to build a mosque as a charitable act, Al-Watan daily reported.

A source at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs said the ministry approved the regulations.

However, the regulations remain optional as the foundation is a charity organization and not an official or legal authority.

“The ministry encourages all donors to adhere to the foundation’s regulations as they maintain mosques and ensure visitors’ safety. The ministry formed a committee of architects and experts before it approved the regulations to ensure they are feasible and unhampering for donors,” said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Among these regulations is that all mosques to be built in the future must use a construction technique known as water insulation to protect the building from rain.

“The regulation comes after reports from the ministry were released detailing the damages sustained to a number of mosques due to rains,” said the source.

The source added water insulation will also regulate the vaporization of water during summertime.

“The foundation will also be responsible for overlooking the construction process and revising the blueprints.

“Donors may not begin construction until the foundation approves the blueprints of the project,” said the source.

The source also said the foundation will overlook the employment of staff and imams of mosques.

“Donating money to build a mosque is not the end of the project.

“The ministry and the foundation expect the donor to maintain the mosque and will carry out regular inspection campaigns to ensure the mosque is sanitary and presentable to its visitors,” said the source.