Hussainiyas committee acknowledges regional security situation, endorses precautionary measures

In a statement issued following a high-level meeting between Kuwaiti Hussainiyas and council officials and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, a special committee affirmed its full support for precautionary measures being adopted amid exceptional regional security conditions.

The meeting, held Thursday evening with the participation of senior Ministry of Interior officials, focused on safeguarding the religious and national traditions associated with the first ten days of Muharram, while ensuring public safety.

The committee conveyed that the First Deputy Prime Minister relayed the greetings of His Highness the Amir to the custodians of Kuwaiti Hussainiyas and councils, expressing appreciation for their religious and national contributions.

In return, the participants extended their deepest gratitude to His Highness the Amir for his unwavering support in maintaining Ashura rituals, even in these challenging times, and praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior in ensuring the security and protection of Hussainiyas and their visitors.

The committee emphasized that the regional security situation necessitates extraordinary decisions, all taken in the interest of public safety. It called upon all Hussainiyas officials, preachers, and pilgrims to show understanding, and prayed for the continued peace and security of Kuwait under the leadership of His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince.

The committee detailed several temporary measures applicable during the first ten days of Muharram 1447 AH.

• Relocation of Hussainiyas: Wherever feasible, Hussainiyas gatherings are to be relocated to nearby schools or sports clubs in coordination with security leadership through a designated hotline to be announced.
• Timeframe: These measures apply strictly to the first ten days of Muharram.
  Support and Protection: All necessary facilities, equipment, and security support will be provided at the new venues.
• Exemptions for Small Gatherings: Family Hussainiyas with no more than 15 attendees are exempt from these relocation requirements.
• Food Preparation: Cooking of traditional Husseiniya meals will be permitted within school premises, provided safety and security regulations, as determined by relevant authorities, are followed.
• Avoiding Political Discourse: Preachers are advised to avoid engaging in political commentary during religious readings to maintain the spiritual sanctity of the events.
• Public Announcements: A full schedule listing Hussainiyas and their respective alternative locations (schools or clubs) will be published through official media outlets.

The committee concluded its statement by reaffirming the importance of religious observance in harmony with national responsibility.

It expressed hope that all Hussainiyas officials and respected preachers would understand the necessity of these measures, and again called for divine protection over Kuwait and its leadership during these uncertain times.