Riyadh: Two Holy Mosques Imams Directed to Shorten Friday Sermons Due to Severe Heat
In a move to accommodate the extreme heat conditions faced by pilgrims this year, Imams and khatibs of the Two Holy Mosques have been instructed to shorten the Friday sermons and prayers for the remaining Fridays during the Hajj season.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, announced the decision in light of the millions of pilgrims visiting the holy sites and the intense heat experienced in Makkah and Madinah.
The directive aims to ensure the safety of worshippers in the Mataf, roof, and courtyards of the mosques. Al-Sudais emphasized that the decision is rooted in Islamic principles and the goal of easing difficulties for those attending Friday prayers during the Hajj season.
While Muslims seek guidance from the content of sermons, Al-Sudais highlighted the risk of lengthy preaching causing worshippers to lose track of the message. He stressed the importance of concise and impactful messages in Friday sermons.
This decision follows Al-Sudais’ previous instruction to reduce the amount of recitation and shorten the gap between the Adhan and Iqamah during the Hajj season. These measures aim to alleviate the strain on worshippers, especially with the overcrowding and the presence of vulnerable and elderly individuals.