Riyadh, Jul 25(Arab News): Extensive arrangements are being made in mosques Kingdomwide to accommodate the additional rush of worshipers during the holy month of Ramadan.

The department of mosques that functions under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance has directed imams and muezzins in the Kingdom to keep their places of worship tidy and ensure adequate supplies of power and water during Ramadan when Muslims typically attend an optional prayer called the Tharaweeh, which follows the regular Isha prayers. Private establishments contracted for the maintenance of mosques have been asked to be on duty at night during the holy month.

The department of mosques maintains more than 5,000 mosques in Riyadh alone and other mosques in the city and suburbs have been built and maintained by members of the royal family and philanthropists in the Kingdom.

Improvised partitions will be built in mosques that do not have separate prayer halls for women.

"Everyone likes to come to the mosques for prayers during the holy month, and we expect a larger congregation for Tharaweeh, " said Abdul Aziz, an imam in a mosque in Riyadh's Naseeriyah District. He added that the holy month not only affords a good opportunity for Muslims to greet one another but also helps them perform good deeds.

"We are making every effort to give worshipers a conducive environment to offer their prayers with serenity and sanctity," said the imam.