Latest news with #WalidAl-Shatti
Arab Times
20-03-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Faith fills Kuwait's mosques on the 20th night of Ramadan
KUWAIT CITY, March 20: A profound sense of faith enveloped the country on the 20th night of Ramadan; as mosques throughout the country are filled with worshipers eager to perform the Qiyam prayer, seeking Allah's mercy and hoping to earn the blessings of these sacred nights. In an atmosphere steeped in humility and supplication, the voices of worshipers resonated, embodying the deepest expressions of faith and a sincere closeness to the Almighty. The first night saw only a few mosques open their doors to the faithful, including the Grand Mosque, Bilal bin Rabah Mosque and others. These mosques were prepared meticulously for the occasion, with support from the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, working in close coordination with the other concerned authorities. All necessary services were provided to ensure the comfort of worshipers, with special attention given to the elderly and those with special needs, in addition to carefully managing traffic around the main mosques. At the Grand Mosque, worshipers began arriving early in the evening, entering an atmosphere filled with tranquility and reverence. The mosque itself had undergone thorough preparations to provide the best possible services. Women's prayer rooms were set up, facilities were organized, and dedicated teams were stationed throughout to ensure the comfort of the worshipers. the Grand Mosque Walid Al-Shatti confirmed that the mosque was fully equipped to welcome thousands of worshipers during the final 10 nights of Ramadan. Separate prayer rooms for men and women were established, along with spaces designed for women and their children; fostering a respectful and spiritually uplifting environment within the prayer areas. Al-Shatti expressed his deep appreciation for all those involved in organizing the worshipers' entry, recognizing their efforts to maintain the flow of worshipers within the mosque and its courtyards. He also commended the smooth traffic management that allowed easy access to the mosque during these blessed nights. The Ministry of Interior worked tirelessly to manage traffic, while medical teams were on standby to respond to any emergencies. Volunteers, particularly those assisting the elderly and people with special needs, played an instrumental role in ensuring everyone's comfort. Amidst this serene, faith-filled atmosphere; worshipers at the Grand Mosque were led in the first four rak'ahs of Qiyam by Omar Al-Damkhi, with Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Shuwaie leading the final four. The spiritual pause between the rak'ahs was delivered by Sheikh Issa Al-Dhafiri, who emphasized the importance of the last days of Ramadan; highlighting them as the most significant nights of the holy month. He reminded the worshipers that these days are filled with boundless goodness and blessings, presenting a rare opportunity to draw closer to the Almighty through acts of worship and obedience. During these nights, rewards are multiplied, mercy descends, and the gates of heaven open wide for supplications and forgiveness. He added 'we are now experiencing the best days and nights of Ramadan, the nights in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) would strive in worship, seclude himself, pray, remember Allah, and wake his family; eager to seize these blessed hours. He is deprived who wastes them, and he is truly blessed who is guided by Allah to perform righteous deeds.' He then pointed out the extraordinary significance of these nights, as they include the Night of Decree, which is better than a thousand months. 'Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has declared that worship during this night is equal to the worship of an entire lifetime,' he explained. He concluded 'we ask Allah to grant us and you the Night of Decree, to accept our worship, to extend His mercy to us, and to make us among those He frees from the Hellfire. May He guide us to righteous deeds during these blessed days.'
Arab Times
19-02-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Rare Dolphins Sighted Near Kuwait's Umm Al-Naml Island
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: The Kuwaiti Diving Team of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation recently spotted a large group of dolphins, both adults and juveniles, near Umm Al-Naml Island, south of Kuwait Bay. This marks the first recorded sighting of such a gathering in the area. Walid Al-Shatti, the team's marine operations officer, told the Kuwait News Agency on Wednesday that during a routine visit to the island—aimed at cleaning it of plastic waste and discarded fishing nets in cooperation with the General Administration of the Coast Guard—the team encountered a large group of dolphins at a depth of three meters. Al-Shatti noted that such an event had never been observed in the vicinity before. He suggested that the presence of dolphins in such significant numbers could be attributed to the authorities' decision to ban fishing and the use of nets around Umm Al-Naml Island and its southern waters. This restriction has led to a decrease in boats and seafarers in the southern part of Kuwait Bay, positively impacting marine life. He explained that the dolphins observed were Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, a coastal species that primarily feeds on fish and other marine creatures. These dolphins are characterized by a distinctive hump located just before their dorsal fin. Al-Shatti further stated that this species is classified as endangered by the World Conservation Organization. He also highlighted the presence of other marine mammals in Kuwait's coastal and open sea environments, such as the daqs and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. He emphasized that Kuwait Bay serves as a vital breeding ground for various organisms and plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity within Kuwait's marine ecosystem. "Therefore, the presence of marine mammals in this area is significant from an environmental perspective," he said. Al-Shatti urged visitors to Kuwait Bay to avoid disturbing these marine creatures due to their ecological importance and rarity. He also stressed the need to continue designating Umm Al-Naml Island and its coasts as a nature reserve. As the fourth-largest island in Kuwait, Umm Al-Naml serves as an essential stop for migratory birds and is home to rich biodiversity and numerous historical artifacts.
