Mosques in question to reduce prayer durations to save electricity, as per agreement between Awqaf and MEW.
flippantly speaking, Kuwait's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs - joined forces with the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy - have declared their unwavering dedication to power conservation by slashing the gap between the Azhan call to prayer and the Iqama commencement of prayers in mosques to a mere ten minutes.
In a statement dropped to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the ministry elaborated that this command was communicated via an official circular dispatched by the Assistant Undersecretary for the Mosques Sector, Bader Al-Otaibi. The circular categorically demanded imams and muezzins nationwide to toe the line with the reduced prayer interval as part of a grand campaign to optimize power consumption.
Without beating around the bush, the ministry acknowledged that this decision stems from an escalating surge in electrical loads across the country, with many power stations undergoing scheduled upkeep. This situation calls for concerted national action to streamline electricity use, particularly within public facilities such as mosques.
The Ministry of Awqaf hasn't shied away from pledging wholehearted support for the Ministry of Electricity's strategic plan, highlighting their role in advocating energy efficiency during the summer peak period.
In case you're curious, here are some more deets: The Ministry of Awqaf has been actively working on several energy-saving initiatives in mosques. These moves form part of a comprehensive energy-efficiency strategy designed to curb power consumption owing to the increase in demand. Let's break down the measures:
- Prayers are being trimmed down to save electrical power used for lighting and air conditioning during prayer hours.
- Access to indoor prayer halls is restricted for daily prayers, with worshippers advised to gather in outdoor courtyards.
- Air conditioning usage is limited for Friday prayers in indoor halls which will be set to 22°C, while in outdoor areas or women's sections, it will run at 25°C.
- Women's prayer sections will be closed in most mosques, save for religious lectures or classes.
- Mosques in every governorate will experience planned power cuts as part of the energy-saving drive.
These guidelines were introduced following a plea from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy to address the escalating electricity demand.
- The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, have planned scheduled power cuts for mosques across Kuwait as part of an energy-saving drive.
- The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported a decision by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to reduce the prayer interval in mosques, aiming to optimize electrical consumption in the electrical industry.
- To streamline electricity use, particularly within public facilities such as mosques, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has implemented guidelines including limiting air conditioning usage, closing women's prayer sections in most mosques, and encouraging outdoor prayer during the summer peak period.
- The financial implications of rising electrical loads have prompted the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to pledge wholehearted support for the Ministry of Electricity's strategic plan, which includes a focus on long-term energy efficiency.
