Top Saudi cleric calls for shorter sermons amid intense heat

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, overseer of the affairs of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, has instructed the imams of these sacred sites to shorten Friday sermons and prayers due to the extreme heat.

Arab media reported that in his statement, Sheikh Sudais highlighted the expectation of a record number of Hajj pilgrims this year amid severe heat. Many pilgrims will have to perform prayers in the courtyard, on the roof, and in open areas.

Sheikh Sudais emphasised the presence of elderly and vulnerable pilgrims. Considering the harsh weather and large crowds, he advised reducing the duration of recitations and minimising the interval between the call to prayer (azan) and the commencement of the prayer (iqamah) to facilitate the worshippers.

The statement urged imams to prioritise the health and safety of the guests of Allah by keeping Friday sermons and prayers brief during the intense heat.

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Sheikh Sudais also quoted Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who instructed, "Keep the sermon short, for there is magic in concise speech" (Sahih Muslim). Hazrat Jabir bin Samura (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I used to pray with the Prophet, and his prayer and sermon were moderate" (Sahih Muslim).

Sheikh Sudais pointed out that the pulpit of the Two Holy Mosques holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. It is where they gain the true teachings of Islam and its balanced approach. Lengthy sermons can cause worshippers and listeners to lose focus and forget the initial parts by the end.

He also cited Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said, "The Messenger of Allah did not speak rapidly as you do. He used to speak clearly, with pauses, so that those who sat with him could remember it" (Sunan Tirmidhi).