GRAND MOSQUE HOSTS 22,000 WORSHIPPERS ON SATURDAY EVENING

Grand Mosque, Kuwait   ©flickr.com/cajie

KUWAIT(NNN-KUNA) -- The Grand Mosque hosted some 22,000 worshippers during the evening prayers on the second of the last ten evenings of the holy month of Ramadan, Saturday. 

Sheikh Khalid Al-Jhaim was one of the Imams for the night, and in press remarks recalled the great weight of all acts of worships on these last ten nights. 

"It is no wonder, then, that Kuwaitis are keen on prayer at the mosque, and the Grand Mosque is by now a landmark of Kuwait known even in other parts of the world. 

"What we noticed is that in addition to the masses that come to pray at the mosque, thousands others are keen on watching live coverage of the prayers from the mosque every night on state as well as private channels. 

"The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs clearly realizes and cherishes its responsibility and I noticed great organization, and the services provided are unparalleled in any other house of worship in Kuwait." 

Noting that he took part in some of the meetings preparing for the services provided these last ten days of Ramadan, he added the process starts six months ahead of time. 

He expressed thanks to top ministry officials for their care and support during this season. 

Head of Services and Maintenance at the Grand Mosque Mohammad Al-Kandiri for his part said services are overseen and provided by six sub-committees on the last ten days of the holy month. 

In addition to committees in charge of services, sahoor (last meal for the day), and security, he mentioned a new committee of volunteers who are to keep the mosque clean. This is a group of youngsters, he pointed out. 

The official said there was cooperation with outside parties such as the Interior Ministry which handles the organization of entry to the mosque, and there is also cooperation with scouts, with the Information Ministry which provides the equipment required for satellite coverage, and with the fire department which supplies fire extinguishers and trains volunteers on their use. 

Al-Kandiri said the first of the last ten nights saw 14,000 worshippers come to the mosque, and the number increases night after night. 

Media Coordinator for Medical Emergencies Abdelaziz BuHaimed said precautions and preparations had been taken to accommodate the needs of the great influx during this time of month, with three clinics set up; one for women, one for men, and a third clinic set up in the back courtyard. 

Six ambulances were stationed at the mosque, he noted, and the number could be hiked all the way to 30 should the need arise. 

The staff providing medical care is organized in cooperation with the Amiri Hospital, and additional staff and services could be provided by Al-Adan and Mubarak Hospitals, in case of emergency. 

The overall medical and nursing staff consists of 30 people, and their number could also be backed up with support staff if need be.

"With the high level of services provided and great care taken, statistics indicate that most those requiring help suffer chronic conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure ailments, and asthma. 

Of 976 served last year, only 10 required transfer to the Amiri Hospital." As always, BuHaimed urged those with such conditions and other health concerns to carry their health care card and medications on their person and those who feel fatigue or any discomfort to seek help at the said clinics.