New regulations aim to protect public while preserving religious freedoms amid regional tensions
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah met Thursday with several representatives of Hussainiyas and other places of worship to discuss security and organizational measures ahead of the upcoming month of Muharram.
Shiites in Kuwait are preparing to mark the beginning of Muharram through gatherings at Hussainiyas, traditional spaces where communities come together to honor the life and legacy of Imam Hussain. These commemorations typically include prayers, religious lectures, acts of charity, and public mourning rituals. This year’s observances, set to begin later this week, come against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions. The ongoing conflict between Iran and the Zionist entity has entered its second week, with Iran’s health ministry reporting over 430 deaths and nearly 3,500 injuries.
The meeting, attended by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Ali Al-Adwani and a number of senior field officials, comes as part of the ministry’s broader preparations for the annual Ashura commemorations.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Relations and Security Media Department, Sheikh Fahad emphasized that “the political leadership is keen on ensuring the performance of religious rituals while taking into account the regional circumstances and current security conditions.”
In light of these concerns, Sheikh Fahad announced a new arrangement under which Muharram gatherings will be relocated from traditional Hussainiyas to secured public schools. “Kuwait will provide alternative sites for religious rituals in schools equipped with the highest safety standards, in order to safeguard participants,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of adhering to official guidelines and safety protocols, affirming that “all logistical and security resources will be mobilized to facilitate the commemorations.” He commended the representatives of Hussainiyas and religious institutions for their cooperation and dedication to the public good.
No politics allowed
A joint statement released Friday by a committee made up of Hussainiya representatives expressed “deepest gratitude and appreciation” to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah “for his commitment to enabling the observance of Ashura rituals within an official precautionary framework.” The statement also praised the Ministry of Interior for “its extensive efforts in ensuring the safety of Hussainiyas and their congregants, under the leadership of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.”
Recognizing the “extraordinary security conditions facing the region,” the committee outlined a set of temporary arrangements to be implemented during the first ten days of Muharram 1447 AH. These include relocating gatherings to nearby schools and sports clubs wherever possible, coordinated through a soon-to-be-announced hotline. All necessary equipment and security will be provided at the new venues, and small family gatherings of up to 15 people will be allowed to continue privately. Additionally, cooking traditional Ashura meals (“Tabkh Al-Baraka”) will be permitted on school premises under official safety conditions. Religious recitations are to avoid political topics, and a public schedule will be issued showing each Hussainiya and its assigned alternative venue. The committee concluded by appealing to Hussainiya administrators, religious scholars, and congregants to understand the exceptional circumstances. — Agencies
Key changes to Ashura commemorations
Following a meeting with Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Hussainiya representatives released a statement acknowledging regional tensions and affirming understanding of the government’s exceptional decisions. The statement outlined the following arrangements:
• Venue relocation: Commemorations to be held in nearby schools or sports clubs, in coordination with authorities via a dedicated hotline. The measures are effective during the first ten days of Muharram. A schedule will be issued showing each Hussainiya and its assigned alternative venue.
• Small gatherings: Home-based family gatherings of up to 15 people are permitted.
• Meals and sermons: Ashura meals will be allowed at schools under safety rules. Sermons should avoid political subjects.
