https://arab.news/r3mxq
- The decision comes in light of the millions of pilgrims visiting the holy sites
- Al-Sudais said Muslims seek guidance from the contents of sermons
RIYADH: Imams and khatibs of the Two Holy Mosques have been directed to shorten the Friday sermons and prayers for the remaining Fridays during the Hajj season in consideration of the circumstances of severe heat pilgrims face this year.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said the decision comes in light of the millions of pilgrims visiting the holy sites and the intense heat experienced in Makkah and Madinah.
The directive aims to facilitate and ensure the safety of worshippers in the Mataf, roof, and courtyards of the mosques. Al-Sudais explained that the decision is based on Islamic principles and the observed objectives of alleviating difficulties for those attending Friday prayers during the Hajj season.
Al-Sudais said Muslims seek guidance from the contents of sermons but noted that lengthy preaching might cause worshippers to forget the beginning by the end, underlining the importance of concize and impactful messages.
He had previously instructed the imams to reduce the amount of recitation and the gap between the Adhan and Iqamah during the Hajj season to ease the burden on worshippers, particularly considering overcrowding and the presence of vulnerable and elderly people.