With temperatures surpassing 50°C, authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have mandated that Friday sermons and prayers in mosques be limited to 10 minutes across the nation.
This measure, effective from June 28 through October, aims to protect worshippers from the scorching summer heat.
Friday, revered as the holiest day in Islam, typically sees large congregational prayers known as Jum’uah, often held in mosque courtyards due to limited indoor space. The new directive is expected to provide significant relief to worshippers who would otherwise endure the intense sun.
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In a similar move, Saudi Arabia has also implemented a policy limiting Friday sermons and prayers to 15 minutes at the Two Holy Mosques during the summer season.
Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia’s health minister highlighted the dangers of extreme heat at the annual Haj pilgrimage, where over 1,000 individuals perished, with 83 percent of them being unregistered pilgrims exposed to direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort.
