UAE Shortens Friday Sermon to 10 Minutes Due to Extreme Heat

UAE Authorities Shorten Friday Prayers to 10 Minutes to Protect Worshippers from Sweltering Heat

In response to the sweltering summer heat, UAE authorities have taken the significant step of shortening Friday prayers to just 10 minutes. This decision aims to safeguard worshippers from the extreme temperatures that have gripped the region. The new rule, affecting mosques nationwide, will be in effect from June 28 until October, covering the hottest months of the year.

Imams across the UAE received instructions from the Islamic Affairs and Endowments authority on Thursday to deliver their sermons within the shortened timeframe. Typically, Friday sermons last around 20 minutes, but the adjustment has been deemed necessary due to the soaring temperatures. This week alone, temperatures in some desert areas reached a blistering 50ºC. In coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, temperatures have hovered in the mid-forties, often accompanied by high humidity, exacerbating the discomfort for those outdoors.

Friday prayers are a central aspect of Islamic worship and are often attended in large numbers. In many mosques, the sheer number of worshippers means that people spill out onto the streets and pavements, praying under the direct glare of the sun. This situation poses significant health risks, prompting the authorities to act.

Yahia Mohammed, who has been the imam of the 200-year-old Alshoyoukh Mosque in Sharjah for the past 14 years, emphasized the importance of prioritizing worshippers’ safety. He remarked, “Many worshippers stand outside mosques’ doors or in their surrounding courtyards, praying under the sun’s hot rays. The Prophet would shorten the prayer if he heard a child crying, so as not to prolong the prayer for the child’s parents.” This tradition underscores the importance of compassion and practicality in religious practices, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

The intense heat has not only affected the duration of prayers but also the decisions of families regarding attendance. Ajman resident Yousif Saleem, a 50-year-old from Jordan, expressed his concerns about taking his 10-year-old son to Friday prayers. “I like to take my 10-year-old son to the mosque every Friday to make it a habit,” he said. “But recently, I have been hesitant because of the heat and the lengthy Friday sermon. This decision makes it easier for us to attend and participate in the prayers without worrying about the intense heat.”

The combination of high humidity and scorching heat creates challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions for any outdoor activity. This move by the UAE is seen as a practical measure to ensure the well-being of its citizens and residents. It follows a similar decision made by Saudi Arabia, which recently shortened their sermons to 15 minutes due to the heat.

In light of these adjustments, the community hopes that worshippers can continue to observe their religious duties without compromising their health. The proactive steps taken by the authorities reflect a commitment to the well-being of the population, highlighting the importance of adapting traditions to current environmental challenges.