As the coronavirus pandemic continues, some of Islam’s holiest sites will be shuttered during Ramadan as authorities urge Muslims to pray at home.
The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced Friday that the country’s highest religious authority is urging adherents to stay in their residences during their Taraweeh evening prayers and Eid prayers.
The Grand Mufti of #SaudiArabia Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh ”Taraweeh and Eid prayers to be performed at homes If #CoronaVirus pandemic continues”.
— Ministry of Islamic Affairs ?? (@Saudi_MoiaEN) April 17, 2020
Islam’s third-holiest location, the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, will remain closed during the month of Ramadan, which begins next week and goes until May 23. Egypt and Jordan have also decided to shutter mosques for prayers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes after Saudi Arabia, the country with the most international pilgrims, announced in February that travel was suspended to holy cities such as Mecca and Medina. The move affected scores of Muslims who had planned to make an annual pilgrimage to the country.
During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat or drink during the daylight hours. The month is typically punctuated by increased prayer and gatherings at mosques and holy sites.
Worldwide almost 2.2 million people have been infected with the virus, which has killed at least 150,000.
