The Saudi higher authorities have implemented a new directive to shorten the duration of the Friday sermon and prayer at the Two Holy Mosques to 15 minutes. This new rule will be in effect from Friday, June 21 until the end of the current summer season. The decision was announced by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. He expressed his appreciation for the royal directive, highlighting the importance of ensuring the good health, comfort, and safety of the guests of God. This move by the Saudi leadership aims to facilitate the performance of Friday rituals and prevent hardship for pilgrims and worshipers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
The decision to shorten the Friday sermons at the Two Holy Mosques to 10 minutes instead of the current 30 to 45 minutes is in line with the Saudi government’s principle of putting the human being first. This move is especially important in light of the extreme temperatures experienced in Makkah and Madinah during the summer season. The intense crowding in these holy cities exposes worshipers to high temperatures, particularly during peak hours from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shortening the sermon duration is seen as a necessary step to protect worshipers from heat stress and fatigue, especially the elderly and those with health conditions. The leadership of Saudi Arabia is committed to ensuring the well-being of the guests of God and providing them with comfort and safety during their pilgrimage.
The decision to reduce the duration of the Friday sermon and prayer at the Two Holy Mosques reflects the Saudi government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and protection of individual pilgrims and worshipers. This move is part of the broader principle of “human is first” in Saudi Arabia, where preserving human life and ensuring the well-being of individuals is of utmost importance. By implementing this directive, the Saudi leadership aims to make it easier for worshipers to perform their Friday prayers and rituals, even in challenging weather conditions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is known for its hospitality towards pilgrims and its efforts to provide them with means of comfort, safety, and reassurance in all circumstances.
The Saudi leadership’s decision to shorten the duration of the Friday sermon at the Two Holy Mosques is a reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and promoting human brotherhood. Preserving the human soul and protecting the lives and well-being of individuals are fundamental tenets of Shariah law and are central to the values of Saudi society. By ensuring the ease and comfort of worshipers during their religious practices, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its dedication to caring for the guests of God and creating an environment where individuals can worship without experiencing harm or hardship. This royal gesture underscores the Kingdom’s emphasis on the importance of safeguarding the physical and spiritual well-being of all individuals.
