In a move aimed at tackling soaring electricity demand, Kuwait's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has implemented unprecedented measures affecting mosques nationwide. New directives mandate shorter prayer times, restricted access to indoor prayer halls, and limitations on air conditioning usage, sparking debate and raising questions about the necessity and impact of these policies.
The Mosques Department in the Hawalli Governorate issued a circular to imams and muezzins outlining the new regulations, following a request from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy. These measures are part of a broader energy-saving initiative that includes scheduled power cuts at mosques across Kuwait's six governorates, commencing this week.
Under the new rules, mosques are now required to keep their main indoor prayer halls closed for all five daily prayers. Worshippers are directed to perform their prayers in outdoor courtyards instead. Indoor spaces will only be accessible for Friday prayers, with air conditioning permitted at a set temperature of 22°C from Thursday evening until the conclusion of Friday services. For the daily prayers conducted outdoors, any air conditioning provided must be maintained at 25°C on automatic mode.
Furthermore, women's prayer sections in most mosques are to be closed, with exceptions only for mosques hosting religious lectures or classes. In these specific instances, air conditioning should also be set to 25°C, and the sections must be closed immediately after the sessions conclude.
Beyond spatial limitations, the directive also introduces changes to the timing and duration of prayers. Imams have been instructed to reduce the interval between the call to prayer (adhan) and the commencement of prayer (iqama), particularly for the noon (Dhuhr) and afternoon (Asr) prayers. The length of the prayers themselves is also to be shortened.
The ministry's schedule of power cuts includes a blackout period from 30 minutes after the noon prayer until 15 minutes before the afternoon prayer, and another from 30 minutes after the afternoon prayer until 5 p.m.
While the government frames these measures as essential to manage the country's energy consumption during peak demand, critics argue that this approach disproportionately affects religious practices and could have been avoided by targeting less essential sectors.
Critics contend that a wealthy nation like Kuwait possesses the resources to implement alternative energy-saving measures that would minimize disruption to religious life. They suggest focusing on sectors with high discretionary energy use, such as:
Commercial Lighting and Signage: Implementing stricter regulations on the brightness and operating hours of commercial lighting and illuminated signage could yield significant energy savings without directly impacting essential services or religious practices.
Extravagant Outdoor Cooling: Reducing the use of energy-intensive outdoor cooling systems in non-essential public and private spaces during peak hours could also contribute substantially to energy conservation.
Government Building Efficiency: Implementing comprehensive energy audits and upgrades in government buildings, optimizing HVAC systems, and promoting energy-conscious practices among public sector employees could lead to considerable reductions in energy consumption.
Incentivizing Private Sector Efficiency: Introducing incentives and regulations to encourage energy efficiency in private sector buildings, including commercial complexes and residential areas with high energy consumption, could have a broader and more sustainable impact.
Gradual Smart Grid Implementation: Accelerating the investment in and implementation of smart grid technologies could allow for more precise monitoring and management of energy distribution, potentially identifying and addressing inefficiencies without resorting to broad restrictions on essential services.
The imposed restrictions on mosques have the potential for various social and religious implications:
Reduced Community Engagement: Limiting access to indoor prayer halls and shortening prayer times could reduce the sense of community and social interaction that mosques often foster.
Discomfort During Peak Heat: Conducting prayers outdoors, particularly during Kuwait's hot summer months, could lead to discomfort and potential health concerns for worshippers, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Perception of Prioritization: Prioritizing energy savings over facilitating religious practices could be perceived negatively by the population, potentially leading to social discontent.
Impact on Women's Participation: The closure of most women's prayer sections could limit their access to communal worship and religious education.
Critics argue that the government should prioritize exploring less intrusive energy-saving measures that do not directly impact fundamental religious practices. They believe that a more nuanced approach, targeting non-essential energy consumption, would be more palatable to the public and uphold the country's commitment to religious freedom while addressing the energy challenges. The debate highlights the delicate balance between managing national resources and respecting religious and cultural norms within a society.
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