Kuwait Islamic Affairs To Imams and Muezzins: No Political Discussions, Direct Or Indirect

Arab Times

14-03-2025

KUWAIT CITY, March 14: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has issued a strongly worded circular to mosque directors across all governorates, outlining administrative regulations for mosques and their staff nationwide. The circular, issued by Assistant Undersecretary for the Mosques Sector, Badr Al-Otaibi, includes the following directives:
First: Regulations Concerning Mosque Buildings
1. Adherence to Mosque Timings:
Mosques must comply with the opening and closing times specified in Administrative Resolution No. 6586/2022. Doors should open 30 minutes before the scheduled prayer time, except for Friday prayers, where mosques will open three hours prior. Doors will close 30 minutes after the prayer concludes, with the following exceptions:
- Fajr prayer: Doors remain open until 30 minutes after sunrise.
- Maghrib prayer: Doors remain open until 30 minutes after Isha prayer.
During Ramadan, mosques will open 30 minutes before Maghrib prayer and close immediately after Tarawih prayer. For mosques conducting Qiyam prayer, doors will open 10 minutes before Qiyam and close immediately after the prayer ends.
2. Modification Restrictions
Modifications to the Mosque buildings or facilities are not allowed unless approvals have been obtained from the Mosques sector
3. Maintenance Restrictions:
No individual or entity is permitted to conduct maintenance on mosque buildings or facilities unless they are officially contracted by the Ministry or have obtained prior approval from the Mosques Sector.
4. Approval of Religious Materials:
Copies of the Holy Qur'an, books, pamphlets, or any printed materials may not be brought into mosques without prior approval from the Ministry. Any unauthorized materials found will be immediately removed and handed over to the administration.
Second: Regulations Concerning Mosque Staff
1. Roles and Responsibilities:
- The Imam is the primary responsible party for the mosque. In the Imam's absence, the muezzin will assume their duties and responsibilities. Similarly, the Imam will act on behalf of the muezzin if they are absent or on leave.
- Both the Imam and muezzin must cooperate fully and adhere to all circulars and instructions issued by the administration.
2. Supervision of Duties:
The Imam must ensure that the muezzin and cleaning staff perform their duties effectively, maintaining the cleanliness of the mosque, its facilities, and all related matters under administrative guidelines.
3. Attendance Verification:
All staff must adhere to and comply with the attendance verification mechanism approved by the Ministry.
4. Professional Appearance:
Staff must maintain a dignified appearance and wear the official national attire (dishdasha and ghutra) while performing their duties.
5. Prohibition of Political Discourse:
Staff must refrain from engaging in political discussions or making explicit or implicit attacks against individuals, institutions, or countries.
6. Regulation of Cultural Activities:
Cultural activities organized by charitable associations in mosques must comply with Ministry regulations. Only individuals with written authorization from the competent authority are permitted to ascend the pulpit, deliver lectures, lessons, or speak in mosques, regardless of the topic.
7. Donation Collection:
No individual or entity is allowed to collect donations inside mosques unless officially authorized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and in coordination with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
8. Friday Sermon Recording:
The Friday sermon must be recorded per approved regulations.
9. Reporting Issues:
Any malfunctions, emergencies, or deficiencies in cleaning must be promptly reported to the administration.
10. Supervisor Access:
Mosque supervisors must be allowed to perform their duties without interference or harassment while on the premises.
This circular emphasizes the Ministry's commitment to maintaining the sanctity, order, and proper administration of mosques across the country.