Al-Sudais instructs a reduction in Friday sermons.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, instructed Imams and Khateebs to abbreviate the Friday sermon and prayer, and to restrict the interval between the Adhan and Iqamah for all prayers to five to ten minutes, in an effort to ensure the welfare of pilgrims during the Hajj season of 1446 AH.
The decision is issued in response to rising summer temperatures and the expected influx of millions of worshippers, many of whom are old or physically susceptible. Dr. Al-Sudais underscored that the decision demonstrates a profound comprehension of the problems encountered by pilgrims and the Presidency’s dedication to providing a spiritually enriching yet physically feasible worship experience.
Dr. Al-Sudais stated, “This measure is intended to avert sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and fatigue due to the extreme heat and large crowds at the Two Holy Mosques.” “Reducing the interval between the Adhan and Iqamah, while ensuring that the total duration of the Friday sermon and prayer remains within 15 minutes, is crucial for the comfort and safety of Allah’s guests.”
He additionally remarked that the decision is consistent with Islamic tenets of compassion, facilitation, and alleviation of difficulties—especially pertinent during the physically taxing days of Hajj.
