Saudi Arabia Reduces Iqamah Waiting Time to Ease Worship during Hajj

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Senin, 2 Juni 2025 - 19:32 WIB

Jakarta, VIVA – The Government of Saudi Arabia, through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has taken a strategic step to enhance the worship experience for Hajj pilgrims.

Imams and muezzins in mosques across Central Makkah have been instructed to shorten the waiting time between the call to prayer (Adhan) and the commencement of the prayer (Iqamah) during the Hajj season.

This directive was announced by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit Affairs, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, during his visit to the ministry’s regional office in Makkah.

According to the Saudi Press Agency on Monday (June 2), the policy applies to all mosques frequently visited by pilgrims, especially those located in central Makkah and around the holy sites.

The Ministry has set the following waiting times between Adhan and Iqamah:

• 15 minutes for Fajr prayer
• 10 minutes for Dhuhr and Asr prayers
• 5 minutes for Maghrib prayer
• 10 minutes for Isha prayer

“This initiative aims to facilitate the worship experience of pilgrims, enhance their comfort and spiritual focus, and help reduce congestion in central areas and near the holy sites,” said the Ministry in an official statement.

This efficiency measure reflects the Saudi government's commitment to creating a more orderly and conducive atmosphere for worship, particularly amid the surge of pilgrims during the Hajj season.