Kuwait, Jul 29(Kuwait Times): The Grand Mosque [Masjid Al-Kabir] is ready for the holy month of Ramadan, a Grand Mosque official said. Speaking with the Kuwait Times yesterday at his office, Mohammed Al-Meteb, Head of Western Perception of Islam Center at the Grand Mosque, said that Kuwait's biggest mosque is now fully prepared to receive worshippers from day one till the last ten days of fasting.

Everything is prepared for a large number of worshippers that are expected to visit the mosque during Ramadan," said Al-Meteb. "We have already erected several tents that will be used for Futoor, tents that will be used by children, tents that will be set aside for senior citizens and people who are wheelchair-bound. Extension prayer rooms for men and women are ready," he disclosed. "We are mobilizing more than 1,000 volunteers [students, boy-scouts] to help us accommodate an expected crowd," Al-Meteb add
ed.

In his words, the mosque also prepares between 500 and 750 Futoor meals daily to accommodate workers from local and expatriate communities who will break their fast in the Grand Mosque. "We are also preparing Suhoor meals although lesser [in number] when compared with Futoor because we knew people prefer staying at home or visiting their nearest mosque instead of attending the Grand Mosque because of the heat," he said. Al-Meteb noted that many businessmen in Kuwait have donated, shared foods and other supplies.

Tents and safety

Companies and several affluent people have donated tents for Ramadan. During this year's Ramadan, according to Al-Meteb there will be less number of attendees when compared to last year because Ramadan falls in summer. "I think Ramadan will fall in the summer in the next nine years to come," he noted.

With regard to the security and safety of worshippers, Al-Meteb said there has been no reported crimes committed in the mosque's vicinity specifically during the holy month of Ramadan since the Grand Mosque's opening in 1980's. "Besides, we know how the Ministry of Interior has been protecting worshippers. They are always ready and have a mobile station that will be posted in the area.

They man traffic, and direct the influx of people. They are also in-charge of directing motorists to the right parking areas," he asserted. The Ministry of Health will also provide ambulances, doctors and nurses to immediately attend anything that may arise. "People who may faint because of a heat stroke and several health related issues will be attended to immediately because health personnel can help us," Al-Meteb added.

The Kuwait Red Crescent Society is taking part to provide necessary assistance to the Grand Mosque, "KRCS is part of our preparations every year and they have a mobile unit stationed within the compound during Ramadan. They have played a significant role in the Grand Mosque's success during the past Ramadan and the coming Ramadan," he said. The Grand Mosque will also provide maps to direct people to the right path. A list of imams/people who will be reading the Holy Quran will be posted.

Business as usual

There are no changes made to the regular schedule of tours in the Grand Mosque during Ramadan. "Tours will continue daily, but of course depending on our timing." As for the safety and security of children who will be accompanying their parents to the Grand Mosque, staff members have arranged a plan. Two tents have been set-up to accommodate children. "We separated boys and girls. In the tent, they can play, read books and will be guarded accordingly," he said.

As for the comforts and safety of tents, Al-Meteb said, that safety of tents are certified by the Kuwait's Baladia. "Also, our tents are all air-conditioned they are fire-proofed and had several fire extinguishers inside. It has wide entrance and exit so as to allow the smooth flow of people," he said.

For newly converts, Al-Meteb noted that they will be guided accordingly, "For westerners, we have a diwaniya or coffee shop inside. We have erected a mini-tent to demonstrate Kuwaiti culture; we also have stocked upon several English and other religious books that can be read inside. Female western women will be asked to wear abayas inside the tent and the mosque.

Disabled people will be assisted properly, and will have their own exit and entry points as well. "In the mosque, there are three British Muslim women that can provide assistance. For men, we have an expat from Kosovo who speaks seven languages; an Englishman and a Yemeni will help them," he added. The Grand Mosque was toured by about 5,800 Western tourists in 2010.

Historical background of the Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Kuwait. Located along Arabian Gulf Road opposite Seif Palace. Its area spans 45,000 square meters, out of which the building itself covers 20,000 square meters. The remaining area consists of gardens with a variety of flowers, plants, palm trees, fountains and waterfalls.

Towards the east, a vast courtyard has been built spanning a total area of 6,500 square meters. The main Prayer Hall is 72 meters wide on both sides, has 21 teakwood doors and lighting is provided by 144 windows. The Dome of the Grand Mosque is 26 meters in diameter, 43 meters high and is decorated with 'Isma Al-Hosna,' the 99 attributes of God [Allah].

The Grand Mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 men in the main prayer hall and it has a separate daily prayer hall for men also. A ladies' prayer chamber is located on a level above, which can host upto 950 female worshippers. There are staircases and an elevator for easy access. Its entrance gate is located toward the southern wall.

During Ramadan, annually, 180,000 men, women and children from Kuwait and all across the globe, attend the Grand Mosque to pray to God (Allah) at the same time during the Last Ten Nights. People pray, awaiting what is called The Night of Power - Laylat Al-Qadr. The Grand Mosque contains a 350 square meter library of Islamic reference books and documents. Construction on the Grand Mosque started in 1979 and was completed in 1986.