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UAE directs imams to reduce Friday sermon and prayers to 10 minutes

UAE's Awqaf instructed all mosques to limit duration of Friday prayers and sermon to only 10 minutes

By Web Desk
June 28, 2024
General view of empty Sheikh Zayed Mosque, as Friday prayers were suspended following the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 20, 2020. — Reuters File
General view of empty Sheikh Zayed Mosque, as Friday prayers were suspended following the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 20, 2020. — Reuters File

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will implement a new directive to shorten the time of Friday sermons and prayers to just ten minutes.

The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Zakat (Awqaf) has instructed imams of all mosques to comply with this measure, which will remain in effect until early October.

A screenshot from X.
A screenshot from X. 

The order aims to ensure the safety of Muslims during the scorching summer months, as temperatures have recently exceeded 50 degrees Celsius in the country. An Awqaf spokesperson explained, "The reduction aligns with Islamic practices to protect community health."

The UAE grapples with scorching temperatures ranging from 48 to 50°C during the summer. The UAE witnesses summer from June to September, with July and August being the hottest.

Saudi Arabia also has reduced the duration of Friday prayers and sermons to 15 minutes at the Two Holy Mosques during the summer.