The sacred month of Ramadan is not only about fasting and reflection but also about the community’s support for those struggling financially. This year, two significant initiatives are set to facilitate the observance of Ramadan: the Citizen Account program, which aims to support families with limited incomes, and the newly organized I'tikaf registration process at the Grand Mosque.
The Citizen Account program is heralded as one of the most important government support initiatives in Saudi Arabia. It is aimed at assisting families with limited and average incomes who are grappling with the pressures of living expenses. To access this assistance, beneficiaries can inquire about their eligibility and the amount of support available to them through the official website.
The process to check eligibility is straightforward. Beneficiaries need to:
- Access the official Citizen Account website.
- Log in using their ID number and password.
- Select the "eligibility study" option from the main menu.
- Enter required data, including their ID number, date of birth, and verification code.
- Click on the “inquire” button to view their eligibility details and the amount of support they are entitled to.
To qualify for this financial support, certain criteria must be met. Applicants must be Saudi nationals, living permanently within the Kingdom and cannot have lived outside Saudi Arabia for more than 90 days during the past year. They also must not own high-value assets or have significant financial holdings. The program maintains strict income limits, ensuring funds are allocated to those most needful.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Al-Musnad, professor of climate at Qassim University and former Vice President of the Saudi Geographic Society, has brought attention to the impending end of Ramadan. He stated through his account on the X platform, "There is a big possibility the month of Ramadan will complete 30 days.” He elaborated, “It is expected Ramadan will end on Saturday, March 29, 2025, so Eid al-Fitr will be on Sunday, March 30, 2025, provided there’s no cloud or dust preventing the sighting of the crescent.” This prediction aligns with astronomical calculations indicating March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan this year.
Alongside these financial initiatives, religious practices have also been organized to cater to the growing number of worshippers during the holy month. The Grand Mosque has launched an electronic registration platform for I'tikaf, which is the practice of retreating to the mosque for prayer and worship during the last ten days of Ramadan. This initiative ensures both the comfort and safety of participants and is aimed at providing a conducive environment for worship.
The registration process is user-friendly, allowing interested participants to follow several simple steps:
- Visit the official website of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque.
- Access the electronic services section and select the I'tikaf option.
- Click on the start service button to reach the registration form.
- Log in using the National Unified Access via Absher, or create a new account if one does not exist.
- Select the designated area for I'tikaf within the Grand Mosque.
- Fill out personal information, including name, ID number, age, and gender.
- Agree to the conditions and regulations governing the I'tikaf.
- Submit the application and await confirmation.
Significantly, the General Presidency has imposed conditions to maintain order and approval during I'tikaf sessions. These include adhering to fixed periods of worship, respecting mosque guidelines, and observing health protocols, such as mask-wearing. Accurate information during registration is also emphasized to facilitate effective communication.
The necessity for prior registration for I'tikaf cannot be overstated. It helps manage the number of participants efficiently, ensuring everyone has the space they need to engage deeply with their spirituality. By organizing attendance and maintaining order, the registration system allows for worshippers to engage meaningfully with their practices without disruption.
These initiatives—the Citizen Account program, and the streamlined I'tikaf registration—underscore the commitment of the Saudi government and religious authorities to support its citizens during this holy month. They not only provide financial assistance but also create meaningful opportunities for worship and community engagement. Together, these efforts are helping to provide all citizens with the chance to make the most of this blessed opportunity during Ramadan.
