The Council of Senior Scholars, which is the highest religious body of Saudi Arabia has advised Muslims all over the world to pray at home during Ramadan if their countries instruct social distancing to restrict the spread of coronavirus, state news agency SPA reported on Sunday.
“Muslims shall avoid gatherings, because they are the main cause of the spread of infection…and shall remember that preserving the lives of people is a great act that brings them closer to God,” it said in a statement.
On Friday, the kingdom’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh expressed the same belief. He said that if the coronavirus outbreak persists Muslims should perform Ramadan and subsequent Eid al-Fitr prayers at home.
The holy month of Ramadan is due to begin towards the end of this week. During Ramadan people usually break their fasts with the rest of the family members.Taraweeh, which is an additional ritual prayer is also offered. People usually offer Taraweeh in large gatherings in the mosque.
The Saudi government ceased the offerance of the five daily prayers and the Friday prayer inside mosques in mid-March itself in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Saudi Arabia has recorded 8,274 cases of COVID-19 and 92 deaths due to the same.
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