AMMAN — Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalayleh on Tuesday said that the ministry has put in place a comprehensive plan in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, encompassing mosque maintenance and a wide range of religious guidance activities.

 

Speaking at the Government Communication Forum, Khalayleh said that the plan includes holding the Hashemite Scientific Councils under Royal patronage every Friday during Ramadan, with the participation of prominent scholars from within Jordan and abroad, according to Al Mamlaka TV.

 

He noted that the Zakat Fund has prepared an integrated charity programme for Ramadan, including the launch of a campaign to distribute 12,000 vouchers worth JD30 each, totalling JD360,000, to poor and underprivileged families.

 

The plan also includes distributing 40,000 food parcels through zakat committees across the Kingdom, funded by the Zakat Fund and donations, to reach eligible households nationwide.

 

Khalayleh added that Zakat Al Fitr will be distributed at the end of Ramadan, alongside cash Eid gifts for poor families and orphans receiving monthly assistance from the Zakat Fund.

 

The ministry will also deliver 15 income-generating rehabilitation projects across the Kingdom at a cost of JD25,000 and renovate and maintain 10 homes at a cost of JD45,000.

 

He said an iftar will be organised for around 3,000 orphans and their families across the Kingdom’s governorates in cooperation with zakat offices and committees, marking the Day of the Orphan in the Islamic world, observed on Ramadan 15.

 

The ministry will also settle debts on behalf of more than 100 indebted women, and organise charitable forums and free medical days during the holy month.

 

Regarding Al Aqsa Mosque, Khalayleh said that the ministry has prepared clinics inside the mosque compound affiliated with the Arab Medical Centre, in addition to setting up temporary field clinics across the courtyards to respond to any health emergencies.

 

The clinics are staffed by specialised doctors and paramedics to serve worshippers during Ramadan.

 

He stressed that the Jerusalem Awqaf Department falls under the ministry, with around 800 employees working at Al Aqsa Mosque and Islamic endowments in Jerusalem.

 

The ministry also supervises 120 mosques in Jerusalem in addition to several Islamic waqf properties.

 

Maintenance and restoration works were carried out ahead of Ramadan, including upgrading sound systems and cables, installing umbrellas in several locations within the compound and setting up special tents to protect worshippers from cold weather and rain, he said.

 

Khalayleh acknowledged the presence of restrictions and incursions at the mosque but said the situation so far remains stable.

 

He expressed hope that Ramadan will pass without restrictions on worshippers, affirming that the ministry is working to ensure a safe environment for all at Al Aqsa Mosque.