Mosques gradually re-open for congregational prayers

AWorshippers observed social distancing during prayer in virtually empty Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia amidst coronavirus curfews countries begin to relax coronavirus lockdowns, Muslims communities are also unveiling phased plan to reopen mosques for congregational prayers. The ravaging virus had forced Islamic authorities to close mosques as part of precautionary measures  to curb COVID-19 […]

AWorshippers observed social distancing during prayer in virtually empty Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia amidst coronavirus curfews countries begin to relax coronavirus lockdowns, Muslims communities are also unveiling phased plan to reopen mosques for congregational prayers.

The ravaging virus had forced Islamic authorities to close mosques as part of precautionary measures  to curb COVID-19 spread.

The movement restrictions also forced many Muslims to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, at home.

Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said all mosques will be open to the public for Friday prayers from May 31 until June 20, except in Makkah.

A circular issued to mosque staff by Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Asheikh, the Islamic affairs minister, said worshippers must keep two metres apart and leave a row of space empty between each row.

“They must also wear face masks at all times, bring their own prayer mats and perform ablution at home,” he said.

Jerusalem

Islam’s third holiest site, Al-Aqsa Mosque will reopen to worshippers on Sunday, two months after it was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“All the doors of the Al-Aqsa Mosque [compound] will be opened at dawn on Sunday,” Omar al-Kiswani, the mosque’s director, told AFP on Wednesday.

Details of the reopening have not yet been finalised, including whether the mosques on the site will be opened to worshippers or if the public will only be allowed into the courtyard where the faithful also pray.

Egypt

Minister of Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa said his ministry has developed a plan for re-opening mosques.

The plan, he noted, will be reviewed by the government’s coronavirus crisis management committee early next week.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Gomaa added that this plan was prepared upon directives of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly before Eid Al-Fitr after citizens showed a great deal of awareness and commitment while performing Tarawih prayers during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid prayers, which had been limited to a small number of worshipers.

Turkey

Mass prayers in mosques across Turkey will begin with the Friday prayer today, authorities said.

Disinfection works were carried out in several monumental mosques in preparation for congregational prayers.

According to a statement by Turkish Interior Ministry, only midday, afternoon and Friday prayers will be performed in the mosques together with the congregation.

It, however, said mosques will be kept open for those who want to perform individual prayers at other times.

Singapore

Mosques will provide limited prayer spaces for private worship from Jun 2, as part of progressive reopening plans.

The country’s Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said that the reopening of mosques in Phase 1 will be conducted with “maximum precautionary measures”.

From Jun 2 to Jun 7, mosques will open for limited operating hours from 1pm to 6pm. From Jun 8, most mosques will be open for five daily prayers, while congregational and Friday prayers will remain suspended during Phase 1, MUIS said.

Brunei

As Muslims in Brunei prepare to attend the Friday prayers today, the country’s Mosque Affairs Department has urged congregants to practise safe distancing in mosques. Mosques will be open from noon to 1.30pm.

It said congregants who develop symptoms of infectious diseases and are of high risk, children aged below 15 and women are not allowed to enter mosques.

Indian southwestern state of Karnataka on Wednesday said religious centres are likely to be opened for worshippers from June 1.

The Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa, said he was awaiting permission from the central government to do so.

Syria

Endowments Ministry announced on Tuesday the re-opening of mosques to perform all day prayers in addition to Friday prayer as of Wednesday.

The Ministry added in a statement that the return of prayers comes with adhering to the health restrictions and the procedures of public safety and distinction.