Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced a reduction in the duration of traditional Friday prayers until the end of summer due to the intense heat affecting the region.
This decision aims to ensure the safety and well-being of worshippers during the hottest months.
In the UAE, authorities have instructed preachers nationwide to limit Friday prayers to 10 minutes until early October.
This directive is intended to protect worshippers from the extreme temperatures.
Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the Presidency of Religious Affairs has reduced the duration of Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina to 15 minutes.
This adjustment takes into consideration the many worshippers who pray in outer, un-shaded areas of these holy sites.
In Iraq, influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has also advised preachers to conduct “simple prayers” to keep the Friday sermon short, allowing worshippers to avoid prolonged exposure to the intense heat.
The Middle East has been experiencing severe heatwaves in recent weeks, impacting the daily lives and health of its residents.
The recent Hajj pilgrimage, which concluded earlier in June, saw more than 1,300 Muslim pilgrims succumb to the extreme heat.
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