UAE urges residents to perform Friday prayers at home amid unstable weather

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has urged residents in areas affected by adverse weather conditions to prioritise public safety and perform Friday prayers at home.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued rain alerts for most parts of the country, with increased showers forecast from Thursday evening.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) also urged the public to exercise caution on the road, reduce speed, and follow travel instructions in light of the unstable weather.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said: "In such weather conditions prevailing in the country, we urge worshippers in the country's mosques to perform their prayers at home for their safety and to avoid harm."

The Authority has also directed mosque imams to announce via loudspeakers immediately after the call to prayer, 'Pray in your homes', in all areas affected by the rain.

The statement continued: "Furthermore, if prayers are to be held in mosques, imams are instructed to combine the noon and afternoon prayers, and the sunset and night prayers, according to the weather conditions in each area.

"The Authority calls upon all worshippers to adhere to the instructions issued by the relevant authorities in the country during these weather conditions."