Ministry of Islamic Affairs Urges Mosques to Adhere to Conservation Measures and Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has called on holders of religious positions and mosque staff to adhere to measures for rationalizing electricity and water consumption, particularly amid rising temperatures during the summer season. This directive aligns with the state’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and conserve resources, in accordance with Islamic Sharia teachings that prohibit wastefulness.

The administrative circular No. 283, issued by Acting Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs Eng. Dr. Sulaiman Al-Suwailim and addressed to the General Services and Maintenance Department, the Engineering Affairs Department, and religious position holders in mosques, reaffirmed the Ministry’s emphasis on implementing electricity and water conservation measures in all mosques across Kuwait, in strict compliance with the relevant regulations.

The circular clarified that these measures respond to Islamic Sharia directives against wastefulness and prepare for the summer season, which typically sees increased electricity and water consumption, thereby serving the public interest and preserving resources.

The approved measures outlined in the circular are as follows:

1. Maximize the use of natural lighting in the building and ensure that all lights and electrical appliances in unused rooms belonging to the mosque are turned off.

2. Use energy-saving lighting (LED) in accordance with the energy code requirements of the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, and completely cease the installation of traditional lighting, whether indoor or outdoor.

3. Use photoelectric sensors in areas with low foot traffic, where feasible.

4. Turn off water heaters during the summer season, or replace them with solar-powered heaters if necessary.

5. Ensure that doors and windows are closed and curtains are drawn to maintain temperature levels in air-conditioned areas.

6. Perform regular maintenance on air conditioning units to ensure high efficiency, turn off AC units when not in use, and manage operating times using a thermostat.

7. Set air conditioning units to 22 degrees Celsius (or its Fahrenheit equivalent) in AUTO mode, and turn them off in areas where prayers are not held.

8. Limit prayers to the designated rear prayer area (the courtyard) without requiring prayers in mosques with low attendance and good ventilation, while ensuring that women’s prayer rows do not advance ahead of the Imam. Set the temperature in the mosque’s main hall to 24 degrees Celsius when no prayers are held, except on Fridays, when the temperature should be set to 22 degrees Celsius (or its Fahrenheit equivalent) from after the Thursday evening prayer until after the Friday prayer and the departure of worshippers.

9. Turn on the mosque’s exterior lights with the Maghrib call to prayer and turn them off half an hour after the Isha prayer. Turn them on with the first call to the Fajr prayer and turn them off half an hour after the Fajr prayer. The minaret light should remain on throughout the night.

10. Install a photoelectric contactor cell to automate exterior lighting, ensuring automatic shutdown at sunrise and automatic activation at sunset.

11. Ensure that water-saving aerators are installed on approved ablution faucets.