Kuwait issues circular to shorten Friday sermon

Kuwait’s religious authorities have shortened the duration of the Friday sermon and prayers as the country is endeavouring to limit the spread of the coronavirus, Al Anba newspaper reported today.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf has set the maximum of the sermon and the weekly congregation prayers at 15 minutes to protect the worshippers.

Kuwait has recently introduced new restrictions following an increase in the coronavirus cases. Starting from Sunday, non-Kuwaitis have been barred from entering the country for two weeks. All gyms, health centres and salons are also closed for one month, beginning Sunday.

Head of the Awqaf’s Technical Affairs Directorate Badr Al Deifiri added that the ministry has issued a circular to mosque imams and preachers about importance of abiding by the set timing and the worshippers’ observance of health directives inside mosques.

The circular also requested preachers to include in Friday sermons pleas to Allah Almighty to end the pandemic, he added.