Saudi Arabia directs Imam, Khateebs to shorten Jummah Khutbah due to scorching heat

President of General Presidency of Affairs of the two Holy mosques, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, has directed the Imam and Khateebs of the holy mosques in Makkah and Madina to shorten the Jummah Khutbah tomorrow due to the scorching heat in the Kingdom.

The direction came amid the warning of above average heat during the Hajj season 2024.

Speaking at a press conference, Saudi National Meteorology Centre chief Ayman Ghulam said that the pilgrims will expereince above normal temperature by one and a half to two degrees in Makkah and Madina.

"The average maximum temperature is expected to reach 44°C," he added.

Last year in the Kingdom, over 2,000 Hajj pilgrims suffered heatstroke after the tempearture raised to 48°C.

The Islamic lunar calendar ends with Zil Hajj, the month when Muslims from around the world visit Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj in Makkah's Grand Mosque and other locations in the city including Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

After performing the sacred pilgrimage the on Day of Arafat, the ninth day of Hajj, Muslims across the globe will celebrate Eid ul Adha on the 10th day of Zil Hajj.