What is the ruling on dedicating Ramadan to religious lessons in the mosque before Isha, knowing that the Ministry of Religious Affairs imposes them, and is it permissible to attend them? And what should the Imam do if he is prevented from doing so and faces punishment? And should the greater of two harms be averted by committing the lesser?

There is no harm in designating a specific time for a lesson or sermon, as it might be most suitable for people or for the Imam. Such designation is not considered an innovation (bid'ah); rather, it is permissible and lawful for the sake of benefit and time management, as long as this designation is not based on the belief that this particular time inherently possesses a special virtue for seeking knowledge. Therefore, there is no harm in what the Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided.

However, for a group to agree on meeting on a specific night for Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer) is an innovation, because establishing a congregation for Qiyam al-Layl is not prescribed, unless it is done occasionally and unintentionally.