Beginning on the first Friday of the new year, Muslim congregational prayer in the country will follow a revised schedule set by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.
The authority confirmed that the weekly Jumu’ah prayer will take place at 12:45 p.m. starting Friday, 2 January, introducing a unified time for all mosques under its supervision. The change applies to the sermon and the congregational prayer that replaces the usual midday worship on Fridays.
Friday carries particular significance in Islam, as the weekly gathering obliges eligible worshippers to pause from work and attend the communal prayer in congregation. Scholars describe Jumu’ah as both a religious duty and a moment of spiritual renewal for Muslims, with the weekly sermon serving as guidance and a reminder of moral and social responsibilities.
The authority also asked worshippers to take note of the adjustment and arrive with sufficient time before the prayer begins.
