Qiyaam al Layl in Kuwait Ramadan 1436

CLICK HERE to see the 2016 post of Qiyaam Al Layl

The last 10 days of Ramadan have nearly arrived and people have started to get even more busy. One is that the month is nearly on completion and Eid ul Fitr is around the corner, so people are preparing for the upcoming holidays. This year the State of Kuwait has declared 4 days holiday for the government sector starting from 17/07/2015 up to 20/07/2015. Be it either the first day of Eid is on Friday 17/07 or Saturday 18/07. There is an MP in the Parliament requesting to get the last 10 days of Ramadan as holiday but still no progress on his side. Knowing Kuwait from past experiences, advice is in order - Get all formal or Official work finished by 06/07/2015 Monday or things are going to slow down a lot. Then be prepared to get things done after the 21/07/2015. (Update: There is another group which is trying to get the 4 days Eid Holidays into a 9 days long weekend - Let's see we still have time till 16/07/2015 to get a confirmation)

Secondly (This being the main event), the importance of the last 10 days of Ramadan is that these 10 nights are considered sacred as one indulges in the night prayers / Qiyaam al Layl / Tahajjud that amplify ones deeds to an exponential level. (In Islam, 10 last nights of Ramadan are considered sacred and 10 first days of Zul Hijjah are considered sacred - Sacred meaning people should spend more time in praying and remembrance to Allah SWT).

People have to understand one thing, in Islam the Lunar Calendar day starts after sunset. Example, people finished their 19th Ramadan fast by opening their fast at sunset. Then the Islamic Calender date changes to 20 Ramadan. Qiyam ul Layl or the Night prayers commence from 20th Ramadan till the end of the month. On these nights people gather at the Masjid to offer prayers. Even out of these 10 days people give more importance to Odd nights - but it is highly recommended to offer prayers during last 10 nights. People try to catch one of those nights which is called the 'Night of Decree' / Laylatul Qadr. In the Glorious Quran, Laylatul Qadr is mentioned as being better than a 1000 months. So one should definitely try praying on this night. We definitely know that one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr. Some scholars suggest the odd nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan and some even consider the 27th night being the Night of Decree.

Photo Courtesy to The Islamic Ummah

The schedules for different Masjids for Qiyaam al Layl are being put up. Inshallah, I will try covering them to the best of my abilities.

Arabic Schedule for Qiyaam al-Layl at Masjid Al Kabeer, Kuwait. Photo Courtesy to Crimekww - Official account of MoI Kuwait

Detail List for Night Prayers / Qiyaam Al-Layl for the month of Ramadan at Masjid Al Kabeer for 1436 / 2015

Nights	Days	Qari from Rakah One to Four	Qari from Rakah Five to Eight	Thoughts
Night 20 Ramadan	Monday 06/7/2015	Ahmad Al Nafees	Fahd Al Mutairi	Sheikh Talal Fakhir
Night 21 Ramadan	Tuesday 07/7/2015	Majed Al Anzi	Khaled Al Saeedi	Dr. Mohd. Al Osaimi
Night 22 Ramadan	Wednesday 08/7/2015	Khaled Al Jaheem	Ahmad Al Nafees	Dr. Rashed Al Alemi
Night 23 Ramadan	Thursday 09/7/2015	Mishari Al Afasy	Majed Al Anzi	Dr. Bader Al Hajraf
Night 24 Ramadan	Friday 10/7/2015	Fahd Al Kandiri	Majed Al Anzi	Sheikh Anas Al Kandri
Night 25 Ramadan	Saturday 11/7/2015	Khaled Al Jaheem	Fahd Al Kandiri	Dr.Khaled Al Otaibi
Night 26 Ramadan	Sunday 12/7/2015	Fahd Al Mutairi	Mishari Al Afasy	A.Dr. Adil Al Mutairi
Night 27 Ramadan	Monday 13/7/2015	Fahd Al Kandiri	Mishari Al Afasy	Sheikh Ahmad Al Qatan
Night 28 Ramadan	Tuesday 14/7/2015	Badr Al Ali	Khaled Al Jaheem	Dr. Essa Al Zafiri
Night 29 Ramadan	Wednesday 15/7/2015	Khaled Al Jaheem	Mishari Al Afasy	Sheikh Abdul Hameed Al Bilali
Night 30 Ramadan	Thursday 16/7/2015	Khaled Al Saeedi	Badr Al Ali	Sheikh Faisal Al Hashmi

Start of Qiyaam Al Layl at Masjid Al Kabeer at 12 midnight.

Masjid Al Kabeer is the biggest masjid in Kuwait. The Qiyaam Al-Layl prayers begin at 12 midnight.(CLICK HERE to see previous year's post of the look of the Masjid and information).

CLICK HERE for my post on Ramadan 2015 - 1436
CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2015 working hours in Kuwait'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post on Qiyaam Al-Layl

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 1435 - 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 2014 working hours'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Masjids in Ramadan 2014'.

The prayers begin at 12 midnight but showing up early will assist with parking and finding a place. Also, there are some mosque which have upgraded their security levels, so one had to consider the Metal Detectors and Frisking. Some tips for attending the Qiyam ul Layl :

• First and foremost Switch off the Mobile phones or at least turn it to silent and vibrate function.
• Carry some drinking water with you so that you can have it between the prayer sessions.
• Keep some dates / light snack for when you feel hungry OR probably when Suhoor / Imsak time approaches. (avoid foods have strong fragrances as it disturbs other attendees)
• Have sufficient rest OR some power / cat nap before attending the night prayers. This will help you in paying attention during the prayers and mainly if you are driving to and from the masjid / mosque. Safety is important.
• Also prepare yourself mentally and physically for standing for long duration ( roughly 2 hours).
• If you are planning to sit on the chairs or four legged furniture, then be considerate to others standing behind you in the prayers.
• Avoid talking to each other in the Masjid Hall, if necessary try to whisper or speak very softly as the hall is designed for amplifying the voice of the Imam and Muezzin. Therefore inform the children about this as it causes distraction for the worshipers.

Below is the list of Reciters for the Bilal Bin Rabah Masjid in Al Siddeq Area Block 1

(Also called the Crown Prince Masjid with 4 minarets on 5th Ring Road next to Water Distribution Towers)

Time for Qiyaam Al Layl starting is 11 pm.

Photo Courtesy to Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Kuwait
Translation of the above.

Masjid Bilal Bin Rabah, Siddeq Area Block 1
Nights	First 4 Rakah	Next 4 Rakah
20	Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi	Qatiba Al Zowaid
21	Amr Al Dumkhi	Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi
22	Qatiba Al Zowaid	Saad Al Haes
23	Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi	Mohd Shams Al deen
24	Amr Al Dumkhi	Yaser Al Failikawi
25	Amr Al Dumkhi	Qatiba Al Zowaid
26	Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi	Qatiba Al Zowaid
27	Qatiba Al Zowaid	Yaser Al Failikawi
28	Ahmad Al Nafees	Qatiba Al Zowaid
29	Jameel Al Zaani	Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi
30	Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi	Qatiba Al Zowaid

Masjid Bilal Bin Rabah, Siddeq Area Block 1

Nights

First 4 Rakah

Next 4 Rakah

20

Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi

Qatiba Al Zowaid

21

Amr Al Dumkhi

Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi

22

Qatiba Al Zowaid

Saad Al Haes

23

Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi

Mohd Shams Al deen

24

Amr Al Dumkhi

Yaser Al Failikawi

25

Amr Al Dumkhi

Qatiba Al Zowaid

26

Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi

Qatiba Al Zowaid

27

Qatiba Al Zowaid

Yaser Al Failikawi

28

Ahmad Al Nafees

Qatiba Al Zowaid

29

Jameel Al Zaani

Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi

30

Yakoub Al Abdul Hadi

Qatiba Al Zowaid

Below is the list of Reciters for Sheikh Jaber Al Ali Al Sabah Masjid, Ministry Zone, South Surra (Opposite to National Bank of Kuwait, Opposite the PACI - Civil ID office)

Time for the Qiyaam Al Layl is 12 midnight.

Photo Courtesy to Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Kuwait

Translation of the above

Masjid Sheikh Jaber Al Ali Al Sabah, Ministry Zone, South Surra
Nights	First 4 Rakah	Next 4 Rakah
21	Hasaan Al Nahlawi	Yaser Al Failikawi
22	Amr Al Dumkhi	Ali Ayadh Al Karni
23	Al Hasan Bareet	Yaser Al Failikawi
24	Mohd Shams Al deen	Hasaan Al Nahlawi
25	Abdulaziz Al Zahrani	Mohd Shams Al deen
26	Al Hasan Bareet	Mohd Shams Al deen
27	Amr Al Dumkhi	Abdulaziz Al Zahrani
28	Ahmad Al Nafees	Hasaan Al Nahlawi
29	Amr Al Dumkhi	Dr. Abdalla Basfar

I came across a video on Youtube, Dua/Supplication which can be recited during the last ten nights of Ramadan during Qiyaam Al Layl. (This is not specific, just that my mind goes blank at that moment, so some of these duas can be mentioned) These duas can be supplicated at any other time also. (Arabic recitation with English Subtitles)

Youtube Video Courtesy to Youtube Channel 'NoneButAllah' Reciter 'Hani Ar Rifai'

The last 10 days of Ramadan are considered more important as one of the nights is Laylatul Qadr. The below video will give you an idea about What is Laylatul Qadr or The Night of Power

Ramadan 1436 - 2015

The ninth month of the Islamic calender year, the month of Ramadan is held highly by the Muslims across the world. This month which is given great importance as the Noble and Glorious Quran was first revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The importance of this event was more reinforced by having this month as the 'Month of fasting'. Also to reinforce a Muslim's Taqwa (God Consciousness), during this month one has to be generous and charitable. Also on a lighter note, it is said that all the divine books revealed to all the messengers were first revealed during the month of Ramadan.(Go Figure).

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait starts on Thursday 18/06/2015. Since the previous Islamic month of Shaban completed 30 days, then chances of having Ramadan for 29 days is high. In any case, always any decision for the start of any Islamic month can only be made based on the sighting of the Hilal moon (Nascent Crescent of the moon). Any other information made in advance is at best tentative. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem, hoping for all of us to better ourselves as humans. Below is the Islamic prayer timings for each of the days of Ramadan.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait's Ministry of Information

Photo Courtesy to Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Center

Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset.

• Dawn : the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
• Sunset : the time in the evening when the sun disappears.

Below shows how long the fast will be for people from different countries for Ramadan 1436. In Kuwait the average fasting time is 15:30 hours (based on my average calculation - not official) CLICK HERE to read the article by huffington post.

Photo Courtesy to The Huffington Post (also to the data from IslamicFinder.org)

Fasting Times in the Arab Countries are as below:

Photo Courtesy to Instagram 'CrimeKWW'. For English translation the countries are listed below.

• Jordan 15:58 hours
• Palestine 15:53 hours
• Libya 16:11 hours
• Tunisia 16:33 hours
• Algeria 16:44 hours
• Morocco 16:10 hours
• Egypt 15:51 hours
• United Arab Emirate 15:11 hours
• Qatar 15:15 hours
• Bahrain 15:21 hours
• Kuwait 15:40 hours
• Iraq 16:05 hours
• Syria 16:10 hours
• Lebanon 16:10 hours
• Somalia 13:29 hours
• Djibouti 14:07 hours
• Mauratania 14:35 hours
• Sudan 14:31 hours
• Saudia Arabia 15:12 hours
• Yemen 14:22 hours
• Oman 15:06 hours

Photo Courtesy to Al Arabiya English News. CLICK HERE for the article

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2015 working hours in Kuwait'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 1435 - 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 2014 working hours'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Masjids in Ramadan 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my post 'Ramadan 1434 - 2013'.

CLICK HERE for the post by 'Desert Girl on Kuwait' about her 'Ramadan Advice' (The post is old but she just renewed it).
CLICK HERE for the post by 'Sala6a' about 'Ramadan Advice'.

Noon Outdoor Work Hour Ban

Summer's in Kuwait are getting extreme over the years and for past few years, the government of Kuwait has been passing a Noon Outdoor Work Hour Ban. It usually starts on June 1 until August 31. The outdoor work hour ban starts from 11 am and remains till 4 pm, during which no worker should be found doing outdoor work like construction work, cleaning crews in the open, the agricultural work force and animal husbandry (or shepherds), any kind of outdoor maintenance work, etc.. 

The above ban is imposed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MoSAL). The fines previously given to people or companies found to be breaking the above ban was KD 500 per person. In the previous years, companies have been fined. We are hoping that more than fines, peoples lives will be safe during those peak temperature hours when the direct sunlight is quiet unbearable.

CLICK HERE for the article in Kuwait Times.

CLICK HERE for the article in Indians in Kuwait.

CLICK HERE for the article in Construction Week online.

Ramadan 2015 Working Hours

RAMADAN 1436 UPDATE: Kuwait announces Thursday, 18/06/2015 as First day of Ramadan 1436. (CLICK HERE for Source)

RAMADAN 1436 UPDATE: Kuwait's Crescent Sighting Authority is meeting on TUESDAY (16/06/2015) to confirm whether Wednesday or Thursday will be 1st of Ramadan based on the sighting of the Moon.

Ramadan 1436 which coincides with June-July 2015 leads to some changes in Kuwait. The working hours of employees for government sector reduces from 35 hours a week to 25 hours a week. On the other hand, for private firms, it is reduced from 48 hours to 36 hours a week. Basically, 2 hours is removed from each day. This is the privilege that the government of Kuwait provides for the people during the month of Ramadan. The official timings for the government sectors are provided by the Assistant Undersecretary for Diwan Affairs & Manpower at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are as follows(Based on Cirular no 1-2015 dated 03/06/2015):

The following government bodies are functioning from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Public Authority for Youth and Sports.
• Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
• Environment Public Authority.
• Ministry of Justice
• Public Authority for Industry.
• Ministry of Public Works.
• Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
• Ministry of Higher Education.
• Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
• Ministry of Communications.
• Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
• Ministry of Education.
• Credit and Savings Bank.
• Ministry of Information.
• Zakat House.
• Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
• Kuwait Municipality.
• Kuwait Ports Authority.
• Civil Service Commission.
• Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
• National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.

Rest of the government bodies will work from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Words of caution, the work pace in the month of Ramadan in Kuwait slow down. Also, for the above mentioned times, people will be taking break during the Noon prayers (Zuhr) which is around 11:50 am. So one will not find people sitting at the tables between 11:50 am till around 12:30 pm. So one should keep this in mind as one's patience will be tested.

Photo Courtesy to Civil Service Commission

CLICK HERE for previous post of Ramadan 2014 Working hours - Timings in Kuwait.

CLICK HERE for precious post of Ramadan 1435-2014.

Kuwait Bank timings for Ramadan have been declared. The working hours for the employees are 9:30 am to 2 pm. While Customer / Client services will be 10 am to 1 pm. This was issued by the Kuwait Banking Association which was received from Central Bank of Kuwait. (CLICK HERE for the article in Indians in Kuwait & CLICK HERE for the article in Kuwait Times)

The Scientific Center of Kuwait has announced its Ramadan Timings (DAILY).

• Before Iftar - 4 pm to 6 pm.
• After Iftar - 9 pm - 12 midnight.

Ticket Prices: 

• Kuwait Aquarium KD 2.500
• Discovery Place KD 1.500
• IMAX (2D) KD 2.500
• IMAX (3D) KD 3.000

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) working hours (South Surra):

• Morning 10 am till 2:30 pm. (For counters and Card Delivery)
• Afternoon 2:30 pm till 6 pm. (For Card Delivery only)

20 Seven Fitness Studio

• Morning 4 pm - 6:30 pm
• Afternoon 8:30 pm - 11 pm

360 Mall

• Retail 11 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 1 am
• Restaurants & Cafe 5 pm - 2 am
• Entertainment 8:30 pm - 1:30 am
• Cinemas 9 pm - 3 am (Last 10 days - CLOSED)
• Fitness First - Weekdays 10 am - 1 am ; Weekends 12 pm - 1 am
• Geant Hypermarket 10 am to 1 am (Last 2 days : 10 am - 2 am)
• International Mills : 11 am - 4:30 pm and 8 pm - 1 am

Blink Store Hawally

• Saturday - Thursday 10 am - 4 pm ; 8 pm - 12:30 am
• Friday - 8 pm - 12:30 am

Blue Delivery

• Ordering Hours : 1 pm - 6 pm
• Delivery Hours : 11 am - 6 pm ; 9 pm - 1 am

Brown Diamond

• Commercial Towers - Zahra Co-op - Andalus Co-op : 1 pm - 12 midnight
• Yamouk Co-op - Saveco : 2 pm - 11 pm

Bumper2Bumper Alfa Station Centers

• Saturday - Thursday 9:30 am - 1 pm
• Saturday - Thursday 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Bumper2Bumper Centers 

• Saturday to Wednesday 9:30 am - 1 pm
• Saturday to Wednesday 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm
• Thursday 9:30 am to 3 pm

Touristic Enterprises Co (TEC)

• Entertainment City : All Week Long 8:30 pm - 1:30 am
• Touristic Park & Fountain Park : 8 pm - 1 am
• Ice Skating Rink 10:30 am - 4 pm and 8:30 pm - 12 midnight

Eureka Showroom

• Saturday to Thursday - 10 am - 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 1 am
• Friday - 1 pm - 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 1 am
• Al Shuwaikh and Al Fahaheel Branch Evening Time 8:30 pm to 12:30 am

Avenues Mall

• IKEA Exhibit 10:30 am - 3:30 and 8 pm - 1 am & Restaurants 6:30 pm - 12 midnight
• International Mill : 10 am - 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm - 1:30 am
• Kidzania : 6 pm till 12 Midnight

International Mill

• Salhiya : 10:30 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 12:30 am
• Salmiya : 9 am - 5:30 pm and 8 pm - 12:30 am
• Avenues : 10 am - 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm - 1:30 am
• 360 Mall & Dajeej : 11 am - 4:30 pm and 8 pm - 1 am
• Co-op : 8:30 am - 6 pm and 8:30 pm - 1 am
• Geant Hypermarket : 8 am - 1 am (closed during Iftar)

Q8 Balance

• Boards & Boats - Saturday to Thursday : 8 pm till 11 pm

Quality Net

• Head office (Al Khaleejia Complex) : 10 am - 3 pm and 9 pm - 11:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday)
• Sahari Mall - Jahra : 10 am - 1 pm and 9 pm - 12 midnight (Saturday to Thursday)

Waves Delivery

• 12:30 pm - 6 pm
• 9:30 pm - 12 midnight

X-cite (All Branches)

• Saturday to Thursday : 10 am - 4 pm and 8 pm - 1 am
• Friday : 8 pm - 1 am
• Marina Mall (Saturday to Thursday): 11 am - 4 pm & 8:30 pm - 1 am
• Marina Mall (Friday): 8 pm - 1 am
• Friday (Fahaheel, Avenues, Sahari & Liwan-Fintas) : 10 am - 4 pm & 8 pm - 1 am

AAB World

• Shamiya  Co-op , Symphony Salmiya and Salhiya : 9 am - 3:30 pm & 8 pm - 12 midnight.
• CityCenter Salmiya : 10 am - 4 pm & 8 pm - 12:30 am.

The following are the times posted by Mark on 248am blog (CLICK HERE for the post)

Banks: 10AM to 1:30PM (Airport 24 hours)
Government: 9:30AM to 2PM
360 Mall: 11AM to 3PM & 8:30PM to 1AM
Avenues Mall: 10AM to 4 & 8PM to 1AM
Gate Mall: 10AM to 3PM & 8PM to 12AM
Marina Mall: 11AM to 4PM & 8:30PM to 1AM
Salhiya: 10:30AM to 2:30PM & 8:30PM – 12:30AM
Souq Sharq: 10AM to 4PM & 8:30PM to 1AM

Cinescape - Kuwait National Cinema Company

• First 20 days of Ramadan : 9 pm - 2 am (Across All Screens - All Locations)
• Last 10 days of Ramadan - CLOSED (7th July until 16th July)

Kuwait Central Blood Bank (Jabriya - Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital Campus opposite Hawally)

• BLOOD Donation : Sunday - Thursday 10 am - 2 pm and 9 pm - 1:30 am
• PLATELET Donation : Sunday - Thursday 8:30 am - 1 pm and 9 pm - 1:30 am
• BLOOD & PLATELET Donation Saturday - 9 pm - 1:30 am
• Friday closed

Kuwait Central Blood Bank ( Jahra and Adan branch)

• Sunday - Thursday 9 pm - 1:30 am

BALADIA (Kuwait Municipality) announces timing for Burials across different cemetery/graveyard (Based on Circular no 3-2015)

• Morning - 10 am
• Afternoon - After Asr Prayers (3:20 pm)
• Night - 10 pm

Photo Courtesy to Baladia/Kuwait Municipality