COVID-19: Calls for longer Taraweeh time in Kuwait
Worshippers say 15 minutes is too short, propose it be lengthened to 30 mins
Cairo: Worshippers have called for lengthening the duration specified for the voluntary taraweeh prayers in mosques in Kuwait as the country is battling to bring COVID-19 under control, according to local media.
Earlier this week, the Kuwaiti government allowed male worshippers to perform in mosques the taraweeh prayers, associated with the holy month of Ramadan, but curtailed them to 15 minutes following the Isha (evening) obligatory prayers as part of coronavirus-related restrictions.
Despite attempts by prayer leaders to comply with the timeframe, many of them have exceeded the 15-minute limit while performing the taraweeh, according to media reports.
Some worshippers were quoted as saying that the time limit is not adequate for spiritual meditation and called for extending it to half an hour. There was no immediate comment from the government.
Pray at home
Kuwait, a country of overall population of 4.7 million, has so far recorded a total of 251,675 virus cases and 1,423 fatalities.
As part of measures to limit the COVID-19 spread, mosques in the country are closed following each prayer, while lectures and other activities in mosques are banned. Those who have not received the vaccination against COVID-19 are exhorted to pray at home as a precaution.
The government has also banned iftar (fast-breaking) and suhur (pre-dawn) meals in mosques and public places. Instead, charity meals are allowed to be distributed without causing a gathering.
Last week, the Kuwaiti government extended a nighttime curfew until April 22, while shortening its hours. The curfew was originally due to end April 8.