Kuwait reopens mosques after months of closure

Mosques across Kuwait have reopened for Friday prayer for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced a shutdown in March, according to local daily Kuwait Times reports.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf previously allowed some mosques to reopen for prayer in calmer areas since June, but worshipers were not allowed to perform Friday prayer.

The mosques were reopened amid strict health precautions including the mandatory wearing of protective face masks by worshippers and the use of personal prayer rugs.

The new announcement will see over 1,000 mosques reopening their doors to worshipers. They will also be required to perform ablution – wudu – at home and bring their own prayer mats as mosques water fountains and toilets will remain closed until further notice.

Mosques will open 30 minutes before prayer and close 15 minutes after Friday’s sermon. The whole prayer will not exceed 15 minutes in total.

Individuals who are still on quarantine and children below 15 will not be allowed into the premises, while those with compromised immune systems, chronic disease or any illness symptoms were advised to stay at home.