Decision on suspension of prayers applies to Eid prayers, says Awqaf

THE Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has confirmed that the decision of temporarily closing mosques and suspending congressional prayers as part of the precautionary and preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 also applies to Eid Al Fitr prayers for the year 1441 AH. The Eid prayer at Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab Mosque will be limited to 40 people, including imams, muezzins and mosque’s employees.

IN a statement, the ministry said, “Based on the previous statement issued by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs on April 22, which was implemented to strengthen the preventive and precautionary measures taken by the state to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, regarding the continued closure of mosques and the suspension of congregational prayers, until the safety and tranquility of worshipers is ensured, we confirm that the decision also applies to Eid AlFitr prayers for the year 1441 AH.”

The ministry indicated that the Friday and Eid Al-Fitr prayers which are held exclusively in the presence of 40 worshipers, as per the Hanbali doctrine, mainly imams, muezzins and staff of the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque, will be broadcast on TV and radio channels, while affirming that it is not permissible to follow the imam in prayer broadcast on radio, television and other means of communication.

The ministry stressed it will be in contact with the competent authorities to follow up on the COVID-19 status, and will reopen all mosques as soon as the risk of the pandemic has passed.

On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs sent greetings to the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, the Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani and to the wise government, the honorable Qatari people and the entire Islamic nation.